Thursday, October 5, 2023
I love contemporary Christian music, but I grew up in “the black church,” where we listened to gospel music. I don’t remember many groups being bigger than The Winans, the first family of Gospel music. One of their hits was a song titled “Tomorrow.”
The lyrics suggest that Jesus urges you to take the next steps in changing your life—waiting could be costly because tomorrow isn’t promised. I always loved the message because I understood the importance of being saved. At least, that’s what I thought. We were always taught why accepting Jesus was essential for life after earth, but the message never detailed the fine print.
You’re saved, now what?
Ephesians 5:15-17
15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
The journey has only just begun after we find Christ. After all, it’s a faith walk, not a faith stand and wait for what’s next. How many new believers have you met who easily fell back into unhealthful routines soon after being saved? I’m sure you know seasoned Christians who have lost a bit of flavor over time (Matthew 5:13). It happens to all of us who don’t understand the assignment.
We get so caught up in what we can do for ourselves and our focus on the future that we forget the Lord ordains our steps (Proverbs 16:9). Keeping that in mind should increase our focus in the now.
The assignment is God’s mission for us to begin tomorrow, today.
Questions:
Does focusing on the future make you miss today’s opportunities? Do you understand your purpose?
Next Steps:
Take GrowthTrack for the first time (or again) to get a better understanding of your spiritual gifts.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for focus in the now. Too often, my thoughts turn to what I want for the future instead of living out my purpose as designed by you. I pray for patience in understanding that using my spiritual gifts now will ultimately get me to where I need to go—and where you want me to be. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.