Two Ways to Disobey - James 4:17

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." This verse is probably a maxim that James expected his readers to recognize. Its source is unknown, but it is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. For example, in a parable about a faithful servant Jesus said: "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished" (Luke 12:47). We all know that it is sin to do what we know we should not do, but for Jesus's followers it is also sin to know we what should do and not do it. Both behaviors (or misbehaviors) are aspects of disobedience that apply to us--one just as much as the other. It is disobedience to do what you know is wrong and it is disobedience not to do what you know is right! Jesus holds His followers to a high standard of behavior: do right things as well as don't do wrong things.