KNOWING AND DOING

Two men were enjoying the annual church golf tournament. While waiting for their turn, one said to the other, “There are times when I would like to ask God why He allows hunger and poverty to exist. If He is all-powerful, why doesn’t He do something about it?”

“Well,” asked his friend, “why don’t you ask Him?”

“Because,” he answered, “I’m afraid He might ask me the same question.”

Many believe that we only sin when we do what we know is wrong: by not obeying the Word of God, its commands, and teachings. Not so, writes James. Listen carefully…

“Sin,” said James, “is also not doing what we know to be the right thing to do.” We would all agree that it is a sin to disregard and break the Ten Commandments. But it is also a sin if someone speaks evil of a brother or sister and remain silent. We sin if we do not speak up on behalf of others when they are being harmed by gossip and greed. God also expects us to do kind acts, serve those in need, be good stewards of His gifts, and protect others the way He protects us. Someday we will be judged by our standard of giving not our standard of living.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to do what we know is right, to avoid what we know is wrong, and always honor You as Your son honored us. May we follow His example each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17