Do you ever find yourself living so far ahead that your
future becomes your past before it even makes it into your present? I know I do.
The word says...
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
...Whilst the world says...YOLO! (You only live once)
We dwell in an extremist culture. We’re either having too
much fun, or none at all, working ourselves into an early grave or lazy to the
point of self destruction. There’s no moderation, steadfastness or balance, just
an unyielding need for instant gratification with an expectation for
the future to sort itself out OR on the other end of the spectrum - the illusion we’re
totally in control and we’ll sort it all out by ourselves!
Both approaches I’d argue are problematic.
YOLO!!!
In the
context of Western 21st century culture where we our bound to our 'stuff' and
where there is an extremely murky line between who we are and what we own, the
general thought process is that we are validated by our 'success' and how well
we 'perform' a certain role or task. This is usually determined on a scale of what
material possessions we have to show for our efforts, skills and abilities.
Our own interests within a materialism
mindset is centered around self and control. How we look, what we earn, where
we go etc. This whole striving for an identity shaped by a system that mass
produces it and then hands it back, is so deeply embedded into our being we
hardly notice it.
When Jesus says don’t worry about tomorrow each day will take
care of itself I’m pretty sure He didn’t mean YOLO. I believe this catchphrase
has most probably contributed to most of the turmoil our culture finds itself
in at these present times. All YOLO seems to do is justify reckless behaviour that is produced
by an impulsive nature to escape the discomfort of any difficult situation- it produces an easy way out. Cast your mind back to every decision you ever made
with the last line of the debate in your head ending in ‘you only live once’
and think what came of it...yep those new shoes seemed like a real good idea to
me at the time too but now they’re sat at the bottom of my wardrobe gathering
dust whilst the money is sat on my credit card gathering interest...that’s just
one example of mine...
In a time
where expenses exceed incomes and desires far out weigh means, faced with the
prospect of an uncertain future, short lived self satisfaction out rules long
term planning. Do you ever recall having a desire that you satisfied and it
remained curbed by your own efforts without being fed or replaced by something
else? We are insatiable beings who in all honesty love the easy way out-
shoving problems under the carpet 'until tomorrow' is what we do best...
Don’t worry about
tomorrow...
When Jesus says don’t worry about tomorrow He’s suggesting you
give whatever it is that's giving you a hard time to Him, not hide it away until you feel ready to take the
reigns again and face it all on your own.
Once sober with the reality of actually facing a challenge,
certain circumstances have a way of shifting our mindset to the glass is half
empty rather than half full.
It’s undeniable, we are living in tough times:
economically, socially and spiritually but I guess I’m learning that half the
fun is getting through the challenges and coming out the other end, living to
tell the tale and fighting on another day...
They overcame by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony Revelations 12:11
They overcame by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony Revelations 12:11
Tis’ true, I’m sure we could all do with more money and if not then more love, and if its not that then success and then if its not
that then something else the list goes on...There will always be a need and that's why we need a Saviour.
To conclude...
When we worry about tomorrow and focus on what we don’t have
we are easily distracted by many things. From here we can often unintentionally express an
attitude of ingratitude for where we’re at in our present circumstances. The achievements
and blessings of today can become easily overlooked and disregarded.
What we forget whilst focusing on our future is that its a journey and a process in constant motion. Today is
our future and the here and now is precious. God's timing is perfect so we must be patient and obedient. The decisions we make today have a huge impact on our tomorrow. The things we put off facing today can potentially hold
us back in years to come.
So seize the opportunity today, break out of your
wilderness; break habits, face fears and deal with issues. God will never leave you nor forsake you Deuteronomy 31:6 Make your requests known unto Him Philippians 4:6
‘What we do on some great occasion will probably depend on
what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of
self-discipline’ H.P Liddon
There’s no point hoping for the husband if you’re insecure by
yourself, or little use praying for prosperity if you are irresponsible with
money...make the choice to face your
problems today and put it in God's hands, ask Him to help you with the areas you struggle with and to come into the places that you need healing in.
It’s time to take a different approach, take a minute to cast
your mind back to what you've come through in your life, give thanks for where
you are now, pray for someone in a less fortunate situation than yourself and
put your tomorrow in God’s hands and enjoy today...
The best gift you’ll ever receive is another day to wake up and
get another shot at life:
Somebody is in the hospital right now begging God for the
chance you have right NOW! (Be happy) Bishop Jakes
