In the parable, the father asked the second son to go. He said that he would go and then didn’t follow through with his words. His message and messenger were not the same. Verse 31 says, “Which of the two did the will of his father?…”

James’ words and the parable challenge us to maintain a heart of integrity. We honor the Lord when we honor our words. However, to promise we will do something without inwardly acknowledging ‘if it is His will’ we can fall into error through the pride of our own accomplishment.

It humbles our heart to realize afresh that we are not in control. We have no strength on our own. We cannot endure without His grace. Obeying God’s word keeps us on His path of righteousness. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord…” Our heart and actions are totally open to Him.