Taking Time to Think About "Tomorrow"

Blog Posts

Jason Hardin
05/31/16 - Discipleship

Today's choices are often shaped by what we are anticipating "tomorrow."

Tomorrow's anticipated hunger shapes today's grocery store shopping list
Tomorrow's forecast of rain shapes today's determination to get the lawn mowed
Tomorrow's credit card statement shapes today's credit card swipes
Tomorrow's dentist appointment shapes today's flossing
Tomorrow's marathon shapes today's diet and exercise routine
Tomorrow's project deadline shapes today's choice to turn off Netflix
Tomorrow's alarm clock shapes tonight's bedtime

Each one of us will make decisions today--some of them tiny, some of them life-altering--in view of "tomorrow."

What if we take that simple principle and use it as a lens through which to read Philippians 3?

The worth of knowing Jesus surpasses any and all fleshly accomplishments (3:8)
Through the righteousness of God that depends on faith, I can gain Christ (3:8-9)
Becoming like Jesus opens the door to the power of his resurrection (3:10-11)
Forgetting what lies behind frees me to strain forward to what lies ahead (3:12-13)
The prize of the upward call of God is an attainable goal (3:14)
God is willing and able to shape the maturity of my thinking (3:15)
I bear responsibility to accept and hold true to what he has delivered (3:16)
Setting my mind on earthly things leads to idolatry, shame, and destruction (3:19)
The citizenship of God's redeemed people is in heaven (3:20)
The promise of my Savior's coming ought to shape my present conduct (3:20-21)

God-given light is shining in Philippians 3. It illuminates the possibilities, glories, and tragedies of "tomorrow." In profound ways, today's choices will be shaped by the forethought I am willing to give and the sacrifices I am willing to make in view of "tomorrow."

For whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Gal 6:7)

Which begs the question: Will I be happy "tomorrow" with the choices I made today?

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