Today’s choices are often shaped by what we’re anticipating “tomorrow.” Think about it:
- Tomorrow’s hunger informs today’s grocery list
- Tomorrow’s forecast of rain fuels today’s determination to get the lawn mowed
- Tomorrow’s credit card statement is a result of today’s credit card swipes
- Tomorrow’s dentist appointment compels today’s flossing
- Tomorrow’s project deadline drives today’s choice to turn off Netflix
- Tomorrow’s alarm clock impacts tonight’s bedtime
Life is connected. Consequences (good and bad) come as a result of choices. Each of us will make decisions this week that impact our experience of “tomorrow.”
In Proverbs 1, wisdom is described as “crying aloud in the street” (1:20). She is warning, instructing, and encouraging all of us to think about “tomorrow.” Some listen, others don’t. “Therefore,” wisdom foretells, “they shall eat the fruit of their way” (1:31). Paul said it this way in the New Testament: “For whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal 6:7). Today’s seeds determine tomorrow’s harvest. Today’s steps lead to tomorrow’s destination. Today’s choices (we could call them “causes”) produce tomorrow’s effects.
Maybe you’re carrying a great deal of regret today because of choices in your past. Could I encourage you to think about two words that have the power to change everything? HE LIVES. In John 14:19, Jesus promised His apostles, “Because I live, you also will live.” Two thousand years later, disciples of Jesus continue to sing:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.
Sin is eternally-serious. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.” The Holy Spirit goes on to describe all sorts of ungodliness: sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, stealing, greed, drunkenness, reviling, and swindling. “And such were some of you. But…” Yesterday’s foolishness doesn’t have to destroy your future. “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor 6:9-11).
HE LIVES. Are you satisfied and secure with the trajectory of your “tomorrow”? If not, what changes do you need to make today? The best can still be in your future, because He lives.