Handling the Future

Stanley Jones once said that the future is in the hands of those who care. Solomon once said that a good man leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22).

Focusing only on today has benefits, and Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow. The prayer He taught His disciples included prayer for today’s bread. Not worrying about tomorrow is completely different from not caring about tomorrow. A further line that should be drawn is between caring only about my tomorrow, and not caring about someone else’s.

People whose hearts are evil are more concerned about my tomorrows than some of my acquaintances are. The evil ones are planning how they can inherit my estate when I die or steal it if I don’t die. Parents have a privilege; they can create space in front of their children into which the children can move and grow. Saving for the children’s futures, offering them training that is related to the children’s callings, calling on others with influence to bring favor and grace to their children, all of these are opportunities to obtain the future for those who depend on us and trust us to provide for them and protect them.

Even if you don’t have natural children, there are believers who are younger than you in the spirit, and you may have something valuable to offer them for their futures. Be bold. Be generous. Bear fruit that remains.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
(John 15:16 HCSB ©®)