13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, 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. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. —James 4:13-17 NIV

We are always operating out of one of two modes: A self-first mode or a God-first mode

There’s no place for slander in the body of Christ.

The sin of slander is bigger and more pervasive than you think.

A judgmental heart drives slander and all destructive speech.

Questions to ask yourself to determine if you’re judging rightly or according earthly wisdom:

Am I judging according to God’s word? Or am I judging according to my own convictions?

Am I judging a believer’s actions or words? Or am I judging what I believe to be there motives or intentions?

Am I working for this believer’s growth? Or am I just venting and speaking my piece.

Am I taking care to protect the reputation and character of my brother or sister? Or am I looking to get even and throw some shade their way.

What if we became experts in each other’s growth instead of experts in their faults?

The mode you operate from will determine your view of the future.

Future success and security are provisions of God, not your ability.

Start changing your view of the future by changing how you speak about the future

Study Guide

Note: While our groups are not meeting unless it is virtually, we recommend that you connect via a virtual meeting solution like Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc. Since we are meeting virtually, there will be a shortened list of questions for you to use for processing as a group, along with the regular study guide.
Short version
1. What stood out to you in the message?

2. What did you hear that was helpful?

3. Name one practical next step you need to take as a result of hearing this message.

4. Who can you reach out to this week and share the love of Jesus?

Pursue God
James 4:17 (NIV)
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Explain/Explore:
Apply (What did I learn about God or myself?):
Respond (Pray):

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of God:
Learn to recognize the big events and daily moments God uses to deepen your relationship with Him.
1. Observe the places in your life where God is getting your attention. What made you sad, glad, or mad today? What stood out from the passage above or Sunday’s message?

2. Reflect on these areas. Where do you need to change the way you are thinking? What truth do you need to believe in its place?

3. Discuss this with your group or another close person in your life. What is God asking or leading you to do?

Pursue Others (Group Discussion)
Courageously choose to know and be known by sharing what God is doing in your life with your group.
1. How can planning for the future be wise? How can it be sinful?

2. What practical steps do you take to allow God to be part of your future plans?

3. How does living in the light of eternity change the way you plan your time, money, vacations, retirement, etc.?

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of others:
1. Intentionally care for someone by visiting, preparing meals, writing notes, or praying for them.
2. Who in your neighborhood could use care this week?
3. Think about caring for a member of our church family who is homebound or in a care facility.
4. Who in your group could use care this week?