If The Lord Wills...

James gives a simple warning that cuts against how most of us naturally think. He describes people who confidently say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city, spend a year there, engage in business, and make a profit.” James isn’t condemning planning or hard work. He’s addressing the attitude behind our plans—the confidence that says, “I’ve got this. I’m in control. My future is secure because I’m smart enough to build it.” James reminds us of the truth we forget too easily: life is fragile, and we do not know what tomorrow holds.

The Problem Isn’t Planning—It’s Self-Confidence

In James’ day, men often traveled to find the best market for their business. They would leave home, invest time and resources, and take risks in hopes of returning successful. It required confidence, but it also carried great uncertainty. James uses that kind of plan as an illustration of a deeper problem—people speaking as though life is guaranteed and success is assured. But James makes it clear that we have no control over how long we live or what tomorrow brings. That’s why he says the proper mindset is, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” He isn’t insisting on certain words, but on an attitude that recognizes God’s authority over our lives and our plans.

What Is Your Foundation?

James’ warning forces us to ask what we are building our lives on. We all understand foundations. Whether it’s a tower, a house of cards, or a home, everything depends on the base. If the foundation fails, the entire structure collapses. James is asking whether our foundation is our education, our job, our discipline, or our ability to work hard. While those things may be good gifts, they are not stable foundations. Jobs disappear, health fades, and plans fall apart. Anything other than God will eventually fail.

When Confidence Turns Into Arrogance

James calls it arrogance when we boast in our own plans and success, because it ignores reality. We are not in control. That is why he says such boasting is evil. He closes the thought with a striking statement: “To one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” In context, the right thing is trusting God, submitting to His will, and planning life with His providence in mind. Once we understand the uncertainty of life, choosing to live as though we control it becomes sin.

When Planning Becomes Living for This World

Right after this warning, James turns his attention to people who have devoted their lives to storing up treasure on earth. That transition is intentional. When confidence is placed in this life, wealth often becomes the goal. Paul addresses the same danger in 1 Timothy 6, reminding us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. Material things do not last. Chasing them can lead to temptation, grief, and spiritual ruin. The issue is not having wealth, but placing hope in it. Riches are uncertain, but God is not.

The Better Goal: Be Rich Toward God

Paul urges Christians to pursue something far greater—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. These are the things that last and form a foundation capable of leading to eternal life. Along with that pursuit comes a responsibility to be generous and ready to share. This sharing goes beyond money. It reflects true fellowship—active participation in one another’s lives, meeting needs, encouraging one another, and working together as the body of Christ. The early church lived this out, ensuring no one was left in need and devoting themselves to life together.

The Question That Remains

All of this brings us back to the heart of James’ message. Who are we trusting to carry us through life—ourselves or God? When things go well, where does the glory go? And when things fall apart, what remains standing? James is not telling us to stop planning. He is telling us to stop trusting ourselves as though tomorrow is guaranteed. If God’s will is our foundation and heaven is our goal, then nothing in this life can ultimately defeat us.

“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” That isn’t just a phrase—it’s a foundation.