There is never a guarantee of a tomorrow. James stated clearly that life “is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14), and that any plans should be contingent on the recognition that everything is subject as to whether “the Lord wills” (vs. 15). However, that does not mean that we are not responsible for looking toward the future in preparation. It seems to be fearfully evident that too often we spend more time dwelling on the past than we do planning for the future. Certainly the past should never be forgotten, but rather should be studied and honored (as per principle of Romans 15:4). In the process, though, we should continually look toward the future in anticipation of what awaits personally, collectively, and eternally.
In many ways the Jews of the first century were guilty of relying on the past rather than recognizing the accountability of their future. Continually, when called to the carpet for their ungodliness, they would remind the accusers that they were Abraham’s children, a distinction of righteousness in their minds. One occasion in particular stands out. In John 8:31,32, Jesus was speaking to some Jews who actually believed Him to be the Christ, and offered them the freedom that is available through the avenue of truth. In that one chapter, these people reminded Him no less than three times that they were Abraham’s children, in their minds a statement of saving distinction. But Jesus’ answer would be that they did not need to rely solely on the glories of the past, but they needed to recognize their responsibility and plan for future accountability. We, too, need to look toward the future recognizing the responsibilities we have and the opportunities we will enjoy.
Looking toward the future, personally we must see our opportunities. As Christians, we must not glory in the legacy of past accomplishments by ourselves or others, but we must continually seek opportunities for service today and in the future. Though Paul could easily have been satisfied with the work he had already accomplished and that had been accomplished by others, he would say:
“For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand” (2 Corinthians 10:14-16).
Paul looked to the future, not with content, but with desire to do more and more, not for personal glory, but for glory to be rendered to his God. Such must be the attitude of every Christian. We must never arrive at a point in our lives where we are satisfied with the efforts we have put forth for God, but we should ever seek to do more, whatever it might be we are able. So looking toward the future, personally we must see our opportunities.
Looking toward the future, collectively we must see our responsibilities. The church in the past was known for its scriptural preparedness, both in discussing the Bible and living the principles of the Bible. Still in many quarters is the church effective in preparing young and old in the same way. But brutal honesty demands the realization of failure in some respects. Countless New Testament Christians have been ill prepared to face the proliferation of error and evil that exists in this world, and the result has been a mass departure from truth and righteousness. If the history of Israel proves anything to us, it proves that complete apostasy is always only one generation away. We cannot be satisfied with the preparation of past generations if we do not see the responsibility that we have for the preparation of future generations. If it cannot be said of each coming generation as it was said of Timothy, “that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15), then the preceding generation of saints has failed. Thus, looking toward the future, collectively we must see our responsibilities.
Looking toward the future, eternally we must see our possibilities. This very moment, are you planning to be in heaven after this life is over? Mentally, surely you say yes; but does that answer translate into your manner of living? God has made it possible for us to eternally be saved in heaven, but if we are not this very minute in a state of preparation for that great blessing, then we have missed the whole purpose of living. We, like Solomon, should recognize our need “to fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). If we will, then we will live each day as though it were our last, looking forward to the home that awaits us. Only, though, will this be the case if we look toward the future seeing our eternal possibilities.
Are we looking toward, and making preparation for the future that awaits us. The future of this life is never known, but “if the Lord wills” we must be ready to face the challenges that await us. Eternity is real, but are we ready?