living in the present
"You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow." —James 4:14
We think we know what we're doing today or will do tomorrow or even next year. However, the truth is: "You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow." We think we're in control of our lives but, if we're not in control of our deaths, how can we be in control of our lives? We "are a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes" (Jas 4:14). It is unrealistic, ignorant, and arrogant to think that we can do what we want, when we want (Jas 4:16).
Our reaction to the tenuousness of our lives can be fear and insecurity. Alternatively, our reaction can be a dedicated zeal to do now what the Lord calls us to do. We don't know how long we will be on this earth. Even if we have a few more days or years, we may not have the opportunities to do certain things. Consequently, if the Lord wants something done now, do it now. "When a man knows the right thing to do and does not do it, he sins" (Jas 4:17). "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) If we're not living fully in the present, we are not living in God's will. We can be fully present to God only by living in the present. His lordship is now.
Prayer: Father, may this minute of my life be pleasing in Your sight.
Promise: "Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God." —Ps 49:8
Praise: After having cancer, Thomas changed his priorities and prayed more faithfully with his wife.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our book, Living In Reality, or on audio AV 38-1, AV 38-3, AV 39-1, AV 39-3 or on video starting with V-38.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001