For whatever reason I’ve been thinking about the future and what it might look like in 10 years. What I might look like… Though I believe in making plans, I tend to focus on now rather than tomorrow. What about you? For yourself, any thoughts? I suppose we could look now at our past 10 years and ask the same questions. What changes have occurred? I know that in my case there have been significant events and activities that on reflection take on a greater importance than I thought at the time.
But looking to the future… who will we be individually and as a country? Will we recognize ourselves? What will this tired old world be like? Will there be peace anywhere on this planet? What will the church be… I suspect our answers to these questions partially depends on our perspective, our frame of reference – are we primarily positive or negative. Can we influence what this future will be and look like? Definitely. Will you surprise yourself?
In looking back to today, from the 10 year future point, do you see what has happened in your life during these 10 years – your successes? Your mistakes? The times of pain or sorrow that molded you? The times of great joy and happiness that also molded you? Do you see the ways in which you influenced the world you live in? Are you pleased? Can you say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)? Granted, it may not be your final, but the point of fighting the fight, finishing each race, and keeping the faith are critical.
In terms of people: who is in your life? What are your relationships like? What does the world you live in look like? How have you grown as a Christian? Once you strip away all of the issues that impacts you and your life… this last question is the most important. Our lives here on this planet regardless of whether it is full of joy and fulfillment or painful and difficult is like a fleeting breath in the scheme of life. We need to embrace life now and that takes incredible strength to endure. But it is the eternal and essential issues that last and become our gift to the Lord of how we’ve been His hand to His people – that is our testimony.
