Ever notice how many things we put off until “someday?” “Someday, I’ll get in shape.” “Someday, I’ll organize the garage.” “Someday, I’ll spend more time with the kids.” And the list goes on…
If we are not careful, we live our lives in the SOMEDAY mode and never enjoy the present. The Bible speaks of living with an eye on the future, which is called hope, while making the most of living in the NOW.
There is a hope or an expectation for the followers of Jesus Christ of a better tomorrow. In fact, we are told that no matter how bad things get in the “now” it cannot even be compared with the good that shall be experienced in the future. Therefore, there is a sense of groaning within as we long for the fulfillment of the promised day.
Romans 8:18-25 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Meanwhile, as we wait patiently for the things that are positive or SURE but just not yet, we are to live in the NOW mode, making the most of every opportunity. Living in the PRESENT means we are not focused on the past as regrets, or so much on the future that we get out of touch with the here and now.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV) For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Hebrews 3:15 (ESV) As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
It’s really easy to put off things into the “someday” file or to live in the past “good old days” and never enjoy today. It is easy to get our eyes off the moment and always think of where we should have been or how things could be different, etc. In other words, it’s easy to miss the moment, thereby missing life.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 (ESV) Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
We are even told that procrastination will rob us and we should be aware of the robbing potential of procrastination as we are of a thief prowling around our house.
Proverbs 24:33-34 (ESV) 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
As we put it all together in the NOW FACTOR, we can see it’s a matter of being focused enough on NOW to make the most of it. Knowing the past, recognizing mistakes, and the lesson learned along the way is of great value. Being thankful to God for past blessings is also an essential part of making the most of today. Knowing that God has plans for the future that are “OUT OF THIS WORLD” is easy to dream about and think about so much we lose touch with the moments of life that God gives us NOW. Remember, of course as Jesus taught, a view of today is to live today and not worry about the future.
Matthew 6:34 (ESV) “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Although we are not to think about tomorrow as to worry about what will happen and how our needs will be provided, we are to be mindful of God created opportunities and keep the hope of a glorious future ever before our eyes.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Let the NOW FACTOR help you make the most of living today and seizing the moments of life that God gives you each day, instead of focusing on the burdens of past failures or hurts or being held in the bondage of procrastination or the chains of worry, think about NOW and make the most of where you are, with what you have, and the opportunities that God has laid in your lap.
By the way, that is exactly the basis upon which we are judged by Him as to how faithful we have been as stewards of what He has given us to use. (See Matthew 25)
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
