S. O. A. P
Here’s your 90 second AM devotional!
S-cripture:
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do, and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
O-bservation:
If anyone other than the brother of our Lord had said this, we’d all call him “Legalistic.” However it appears that James knew that “RIGHT and WRONG” are written on the hearts of every man and woman at birth (Romans 1:18-20). Consequently, the Apostle James is saying … “If you didn’t know, yes you did … and … I’m Surprised You Didn’t Know That.”
A-pplication:
Responsibility is subjective to everyone around us except God and us. God knows and I know when I’ve walked over the good I could have done and didn’t . It’s not subjective it’s objective to God and to me. And so for me to keep saying, “I didn’t know,” is like a little kid who gets caught in a lie. Eventually spiritual maturity demands that we lay aside “excuse making” and take credit for our own willful actions. Whether it’s a “Lazy Will,” or a “Sleepy Will,” or a “Blind Will,” or a “Lying Will,” that “WILL” you and I possess has to come under the authority and “WILL” of God. And when it doesn’t, Jesus’ big brother James calls it sin … and everyone around us says …”I’m Surprised You Didn’t Know That!”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
Today I ask You to help me lay aside petty excuses and “Fess Up” to sin. Our world is quickly decaying into such brokenness that Christians must arise with real love and a responsible resolve to “Do the Good We Know To Do.” Amen
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