IT IS SIN

"The omission of good is no less reprehensible than the commission of evil" (Plutarch).

Of course, doing something wrong is a sin. Often, though, we don't think of the other side of that coin. It is also true that it is wrong not to do the good things we should do. When we fail to do good, that is just as much a sin. James deals with that in James 4:17. He writes, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." However, like any verse, it must be understood in its context to get the message the Lord intends for us.

CONTEXT. This verse is often yanked out of its context and is used to "prove" anything one wants. However, the context determines what it means. The context extends back to almost the beginning of the chapter. In light of the problems they had had with each other stemming from pride and worldliness (cf. 3:13-4:5), James writes they should be different. So, what should we make sure we do?

COMMANDS. Two words set the tone for this section: humble (v.6) and submit (v.7). You'll note that "humble" is also in verse 10. They bookend a list that shows us how to be humble. It starts with the command to submit to God and ends with a command to humble yourself.

CASE STUDIES. Two areas in which humbling ourselves and submitting to God are given: first, in how we treat each other (vv.11-12), and second, in how we plan our lives (vv.13-16).

COMMITTED. Verse 17, then, is a conclusion to all this. We must be committed to doing things God's way. We must humble ourselves and have the correct view of others, our importance, and life itself. We must submit to God's will by allowing Him to be the Judge, by letting Him be King, and by focusing on spiritual things in our lives.

Knowing we must be humble and submit to God, and not doing so, is sin - just as much so as robbing a bank or committing murder. So, how do you view yourself, your importance, others, and God? Today, humble yourself, submit to God, and focus on spiritual things! I love you, and God does, too!!!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. The BaseVols are the #1 team in the nation!