Knowledge

 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

James 4:17 ESV

We often think of sin as doing the wrong thing, like hating/murdering, lusting/adultery, coveting/theft. Biblically, sin is also failing to do the right thing. So if we're not loving, faithful and content; that is sin too.

The context of this verse is interesting. James has been saying that we only get to do anything if God is willing. So instead of arrogantly declaring what we're going to do, we should humbly declare that if God wills, we will do whatever we set out to do.

The right thing to do when anticipating the future is to have holy humility. There's no point proudly 'manifesting' our futures if our 'manifestations' aren't in God's will. We only get to do anything if God allows it.

If what we want to do isn't part of God's perfect will for us, we shouldn't pursue it. If I want to greedily win the lottery, I shouldn't waste my money on entering it, but invest in God's Kingdom. Sometimes God permits what isn't right for us; he can bring good out of wrong decisions, but that doesn't mean to say we should make them.

'God, please help us to align with your perfect will for our lives. Please forgive us when we don't, and miraculously bring good out of our bad decisions. In Christ's name we ask, amen'.