Scripture (KJV) – James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Reflection
We often think of sin only as something wrong that we do. But James reminds us that sin can also involve something right that we refuse to do.
There are times when we know exactly what God expects from us. We know we should forgive someone. We know we should apologize. We know we should help someone in need. We know we should share Christ with that person God has repeatedly placed upon our heart. We know there is something in our life that needs to change.
The problem is not always knowing what is right. Sometimes the problem is simply refusing to do it.
James says, “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” That makes this a deeply personal verse because it forces us to stop looking at everybody else’s failures and ask ourselves, What has God shown me that I am still refusing to do?
We can become comfortable with delayed obedience. We tell ourselves, “I’ll take care of that later.” But when God has clearly shown us something through His Word, continually putting it off does not make the responsibility disappear.
Perhaps God has convicted you about your attitude toward someone. Maybe He has shown you that bitterness needs to go. Perhaps there is a relationship that needs to be made right. Maybe you know your prayer life has become weak, your Bible has remained closed too often, or your opportunities to witness have repeatedly passed by because you were afraid to speak.
Personal conviction is not meant simply to make us feel guilty. God brings conviction because He wants to change us.
There is also a lesson here about love. Sometimes loving someone means doing something inconvenient. It may mean giving our time, offering encouragement, showing mercy, forgiving an offense, or helping someone who can never repay us.
Knowing what is right is important, but knowing is not enough.
God has not called us merely to hear His Word. He has called us to obey it.
So today, instead of asking only, “Lord, what am I doing wrong?” perhaps we should also ask:
“Lord, what do You want me to do that I have been neglecting?”
And when He answers, do not wait for tomorrow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to me through Your Word. Search my heart and show me not only the things I am doing that are wrong, but also the things I know I should be doing and have neglected. Forgive me for delayed obedience and for the times I have made excuses instead of responding to Your conviction. If there is someone I need to forgive, help me forgive. If there is someone I need to help, give me compassion. If there is someone who needs to hear about Jesus Christ, give me courage to speak. Help me not merely know Your Word but live it faithfully every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
amazon.com/author/juniortateministries
