So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin. James 4:17 NABRE
James in this section of the letter with the quoted verse is teaching about God’s will. He makes an argument the reader is deciding what to do, and where to go. But James tells them they should live to do God’s will, after all their life depends on God’s grace. But he worries the people will want to do their own thing rather than what God wants. James writes, knowing the right thing to do but not doing it is sin. Sin is separation from God. If we are believers and we know what is right but decide on our own to do the opposite we are choosing to be away from God on whom we depend for everything. Jesus makes a similar point, “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:47-48) It appears it is almost better not to be a follower and to be ignorant of what is right and wrong, ignorant of what is the will of the Father and what is our own will pushing us to please ourselves. If we are ignorant we may suffer somewhat, but a follower will suffer much more for knowing the right thing and doing something else. This sin is a sin of pride. We know what God wants but we think we know better and so ignore God and do what we want.
Pride is a sin that feeds others sins, its opposite is humility. We should pray, listen for God and then follow His will in humility.
Are you aware of what God desires from you? Do you always do the will of God, or are there times when you think your know better?
Pride is a sin that feeds others sins, its opposite is humility. We should pray, listen for God and then follow His will in humility. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #pride #knowing #James #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion