Facing the Uncertain Future
A Rick Warren Sermon Summary
Some of us are the type of person described in James 4:13: Either today or tomorrow we will go to a specific city, spend one year there to carry on a business, and be profitable.
Many of us made resolutions at the start of 2020, but COVID-19 turned everything upside down, again showing that no one can know the future (Ecclesiastes 8:7). So what should we do? Is planning bad? Let us learn from James 4:13-17.
First, note that the planner in James 4:13 did not consider whether God would approve the plan. We should let God be the center of our plans, so that He can direct us (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask God to show us how to carry out the plan He lays out for us (Psalm 119:32). Remain humble and fully trust Him. If we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us (James 1:5).
Second, do not presume to have a future. We do not know the first thing about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are temporary, like a morning mist that quickly vanishes. So, do not boast or brag what you are going to do tomorrow. This is arrogance. We can live and do anything only if it is God’s will (James 4:15-16).
Also, do not worry about tomorrow, as such worry robs us of today. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Ask God to give us what we need today. Plan for tomorrow, but live for today.
Finally, if we know the good things we ought to do, we should do them (James 4:17). Not doing what we should is a sin of omission. Do not procrastinate; we are not guaranteed tomorrow. So, plan how to do it and act. Actions speak louder than words (1 John 2:3-4).
In conclusion, though our future is entirely uncertain, we should still plan with God at the center. We should seek God’s plan for our lives, but without presuming we have tomorrow. Who knows—we may die tonight. We live only if God permits. So do not worry about tomorrow. If there are good things you ought to do, do them. Make each day count.
Summarized from a sermon by Rick Warren at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-5eRVIfqhU
Many of us made resolutions at the start of 2020, but COVID-19 turned everything upside down, again showing that no one can know the future (Ecclesiastes 8:7). So what should we do? Is planning bad? Let us learn from James 4:13-17.
First, note that the planner in James 4:13 did not consider whether God would approve the plan. We should let God be the center of our plans, so that He can direct us (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask God to show us how to carry out the plan He lays out for us (Psalm 119:32). Remain humble and fully trust Him. If we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us (James 1:5).
Second, do not presume to have a future. We do not know the first thing about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are temporary, like a morning mist that quickly vanishes. So, do not boast or brag what you are going to do tomorrow. This is arrogance. We can live and do anything only if it is God’s will (James 4:15-16).
Also, do not worry about tomorrow, as such worry robs us of today. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Ask God to give us what we need today. Plan for tomorrow, but live for today.
Finally, if we know the good things we ought to do, we should do them (James 4:17). Not doing what we should is a sin of omission. Do not procrastinate; we are not guaranteed tomorrow. So, plan how to do it and act. Actions speak louder than words (1 John 2:3-4).
In conclusion, though our future is entirely uncertain, we should still plan with God at the center. We should seek God’s plan for our lives, but without presuming we have tomorrow. Who knows—we may die tonight. We live only if God permits. So do not worry about tomorrow. If there are good things you ought to do, do them. Make each day count.
Summarized from a sermon by Rick Warren at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-5eRVIfqhU