Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.
Thoughts
Humility is a key ingredient to the life of a Christ follower. We have no control over today—not to mention tomorrow. We simply live in the grace of the Father. Today is enough. Seek the kingdom of God today and let the chips fall for tomorrow. Put your hope in God alone and see what happens. I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed.
Questions
- Let’s face it: the life of a Christ follower flies in the face of the American way. This is quite prevalent in this passage. We’re planners, goal setters, make-it-happen kind of people. And this passage says that way of thinking is a lot of hooey. God says trade that all for humility before him. Are you willing to trade?
- Are there areas in your life where you’re not doing the good you know you need to be doing?
Experience
This passage has been a point of great struggle in my life. I’m a type-A personality, a go getter, a problem solver. This passage basically says that I’m wired the wrong way. I must constantly come before God and ask for his humility, his hand on my shoulder to say, “That’s all right; keep doing it my way.” It’s tough, but it’s doable. If you’re a type-A too, take heart. Lean into God. He can change you.
Prayer
Father God, I pray for your humility today. Remind me constantly of my mortality and the fact that I won’t be here that much longer. Help me to do what needs to be done today and let tomorrow take care of itself. If there are people to love, help me to love them. If there are chores you need me to finish, help me accomplish them. Remind me daily that it is the kingdom of God that I must continually seek and nothing else. Amen.
