Read: James 4:13-17

From words of judgment, now James talks about words of self-dependence.

One reason why people start their own business is autonomy - they can do what they want, when they want. Autonomy means power, and power means independence.

So James has a caution for those who have achieved this privilege, people who may start to live like they are the final say of their own destiny. These "businessmen" may make plans and set schedules without any consideration of what God may want them to spend their time and energy.

James reminds us that our every breath comes from God. God alone determines how much life we have, and when it is over. Life itself is a privilege given to us, and it would be arrogant to think we can do whatever we want with it.

It is "evil", James says, to live for our own empire building. Our mission is first and foremost to bless in Jesus' name, in whatever profession we find ourselves.

Write
Think about your faith story: how important is autonomy to you? When have you experience great freedom? When have you the least freedom because of work responsibilites?

How are you using your work as your ministry to bless in Jesus' name? How do you rely on God to do this blessing work?

In what way you compartmentalize by separating what you do at work as your own business from what God wants you to do as his mission for you?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your experience with turning work into ministry. Who are some people you have made a difference to because of the work you do?

Talk to God about what you need to be a greater blessing. Ask God what you need to rely on him to be effective.

Ask God to show you how to integrate your blessing mission into your work, instead of separating what you do for yourself from what you do in Jesus' name.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as God uses all your time and effort at your job for his glory, and as you lean on God all the more in the weekdays.