So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17
When seeking to defend our actions, we often give the reasoning behind what we did or compare ourselves to others. We may even do this as we experience conviction over sin. In this passage, James gave no room to defend ourselves before God—our guilt is clear. When we know the right thing to do and do not do it, it is sin. Living this way is outside of God’s design for His people.
We live in a time where it is easy to point the finger at others or areas of brokenness in the world, but James calls us to assess ourselves. God knows our hearts. He can see through the façade we present and the sin we hide from others. Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me Your way, LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” God is not only looking for us to only appear according to a certain standard but to actually walk in His way. This takes more than a commitment to tasks but requires a heart like the psalmist to look to God with a humble heart and ask Him to change us from the inside out.
- What are some of the things you know Christ has called you to do but you struggle with?
- What are some areas of your life that may appear good on the outside, but you struggle within your heart? How have you sought God in this?
- Pray for God to transform you from the inside out and confess areas where you have not been sincerely following Him.
