I write about Stuff

“What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’ Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.” —James 4:15–16

There is something admirable about ambition. Scripture never condemns hard work, diligence, or excellence. In fact, the Bible consistently affirms the value of effort, discipline, and skill. James is writing to believers who have succeeded in their fields — people who have built businesses, earned respect, and achieved much through perseverance. He does not rebuke their success. He does not criticize their drive. Instead, he addresses something far deeper: their focus.

These believers were making plans — good plans, strategic plans, profitable plans — but they were making them as though God were irrelevant. They were believers in name, but practical atheists in practice. They acknowledged God on Sunday but ignored Him on Monday. Their calendars were full, but their hearts were empty of dependence.

James steps into this mindset with a gentle but firm reminder: Every plan you make rests on the will of God. You may think you control tomorrow, but you do not. You may assume you will wake up, go to work, and carry out your agenda, but every breath you take is a gift. Every opportunity is a mercy. Every success is grace.

This truth does not diminish our work — it dignifies it. It reminds us that our labor is not merely for profit or achievement but for the glory of God.

Excellence Is a Form of Worship

Whatever your profession — doctor, teacher, builder, artist, parent, student, engineer, musician — you are called to do it with excellence. Not to impress others, but to honor God. A Christian surgeon glorifies God by performing surgery with skill and compassion. A Christian attorney glorifies God by pursuing justice with integrity. A Christian carpenter glorifies God by building with care. A Christian leader glorifies God by leading with humility.

God has not called everyone to preach, but He has called everyone to minister. Ministry is not limited to pulpits. It happens in exam rooms, classrooms, boardrooms, kitchens, construction sites, and studios. Wherever God has placed you, He intends to shine through you.

But excellence alone is not enough. Excellence without dependence becomes pride. And pride is what James warns against.

The Danger of Planning Without God

The believers James addressed were not doing anything immoral. They were simply planning without God. They were mapping out their future without acknowledging the One who holds the future. They were strategizing without surrendering.

James calls this boasting — not because planning is wrong, but because planning without God is arrogant. It assumes control we do not have. It ignores the sovereignty of the One who directs our steps.

Paul understood this well. When he wrote to the churches, he often added the phrase, “God willing.” Not as a cliché, but as a posture of humility. He recognized that even his best intentions were subject to God’s higher purposes.

Keeping God at the Center

Factoring God into your plans is not a one‑time decision. It is a daily posture. It means beginning each morning with a simple prayer: “Lord, guide my steps today. Shape my desires. Align my plans with Your will.”

It means ending each day with reflection: “Did I honor You in my decisions? Did I seek Your wisdom? Did I listen for Your voice?”

It means inviting God into conversations with your spouse or loved ones as you discuss your future. It means praying before business meetings, not as a formality but as a declaration of dependence. It means asking God to shape your priorities, your sacrifices, your use of time, your stewardship of resources, and your definition of success.

When God Redirects

Factoring God into your plans also means accepting that His will may differ from your own. Sometimes He blesses your plans. Sometimes He reshapes them. Sometimes He closes doors you desperately wanted open. Sometimes He leads you into seasons of struggle rather than seasons of success.

But His purpose is always good. His timing is always perfect. His wisdom is always higher.

God’s ultimate goal is not to make you wealthy, comfortable, or admired. His goal is to make you holy, humble, and useful for His kingdom. Success in God’s eyes is measured not by profit but by obedience.

A Life Aligned With God’s Will

You can glorify God wherever you are and in whatever you do — but only if you keep Him at the center. Planning is wise. Working hard is honorable. Striving for excellence is biblical. But all of it must be surrendered to the One who directs your steps.

So as you plan, dream, and pursue your goals, let your heart echo the words James offers: “If the Lord wants us to…”

Not as a disclaimer. Not as a superstition. But as a declaration of trust.

Because the safest, strongest, most fruitful plans are the ones shaped by God’s will.