James: Faith in ActionSample

Live for God Today

What's going to happen tomorrow?

We tend to plan our weeks, or even months, out in advance: hanging out with a friend on the weekend, catching a movie Friday night, or spending some time at home to study after school. We pretty much expect what we planned will actually happen. Except, sometimes it doesn't. Maybe your friend suddenly can't make it, a family member gets really sick, or you have to move houses and change schools. We can't ever be sure about what tomorrow will bring.

But God knows. He knows exactly what's coming next for you. Our lives are short, like mist in the morning, yet we think we're in control of our lives. We make our own plans, but we can never really know what's coming next. So, instead of thinking we can do whatever we want whenever we want, James tells us we should plan to live for God. We should live in obedience to Him and live the way He wants us to because that's time that will never be wasted.

Don't put off living for God. Live for Him today and make your plans ones that put Him first.

Questions:

1. Verse 14 tells us that our lives are ultimately over so quickly. How does that compare with God?
2. Why do you think putting off doing something good is sinful? Can you think of something God would want you to do that you've been putting off?
3. Think of one example from James where he shows what it looks like to live for God. How could you do that today?

Prayer:

Loving God, You are powerful and eternal; You've been there since the beginning and will be even at the end. Thank You that You still love and care for me and my short life. Please help me to live for You each day and make plans for my life that will please You. Amen.