Question: Dear Mr. Albrecht,

I realize the Bible is both literal and figurative. My question concerns James 4:13-17 – ‘boasting about tomorrow.’ I use the NIV Bible. When I read this passage, I come to this conclusion. Before we speak about any future events, we must verbally begin with "If it is the Lord’s will…". Are we sinning when we say things like, "See you tomorrow, I have a busy week ahead of me, I have a doctor’s appointment next week?"

Your sister in Christ,

Angela

Answer: Dear Angela,

The passage you are concerned about describes an attitude of mind that accepts and realizes that God is sovereign over our lives, and that in spite of plans we may make, his plan, which is best for us, may differ from our own. As verse 14 notes, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

This entire passage is set within the context of boasting about one’s accomplishments and successes, and is teaching us to put everything within the context of God, his blessings and his will. We live a temporary life – at best 70-90 years – and then our earthly life is over. God alone controls our life, whether we live, and whether we are able to do this or that tomorrow. Christians need to acknowledge this fact, for in so doing we are able to put our lives in perspective and to worship God, knowing that he alone is eternal, and that our goal is not in the here and now, but in eternity.

There is nothing wrong with occasionally verbalizing – "God willing" – after articulating a plan or a hope. But even doing so is best done with and to someone who understands the "language" we are speaking. Most unbelievers would not know what we are saying. We may as well be speaking Mandarin Chinese. In fact, that might be better, for some unbelievers might think we are simply trying to impress them and be "holy Joe’s". A Christian would know why we qualify a statement about the future.

There are many other passages in the Bible which are not to be taken literally, but are either using an idiom or symbolism to convey a greater and more profound teaching: "If your hand offends you cut it off, if your eye offends you pluck it out, let your yea be yea and your nay be nay," etc. etc.

May God bless you and be with you.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht