Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1
Why do we live as if life is going to stay the same forever? Because we forget that we don't know what the next day will bring. God never changes but life surely does.
We humans love to plan, don't we? We plan for the future, for rainy days, for tomorrow, and for the next hour. Some cultures plan more than others (America practically runs on plans), but every person does so to some extent. This brings us to the word boast. Boast often brings to mind the word brag but it also means "to exult in confident expectation." What are you planning in confident expectation? You know that you can schedule things all you want, but make sure to keep a big eraser handy because God might have other plans. James 4:13-16 says, "Go to now, ye that say, To day or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell and get gain, whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow: for what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil."
Notice the word 'boasting' appears here again. Bragging about future plans without consulting God's thoughts or submitting your plans to him reflects prideful independence from God. If we call ourselves Christians, why don't we want God's guidance and blessing on our lives by following him? Why do we desire so badly to control our own lives? It's human nature to want to know the future. We crave security. But planning with open hands allows God to lead us in his path and this is how we learn to live by faith.
I've seen pictures, decor, and pictures with the saying "I will walk by faith even when I cannot see" stamped on them. Even the 3 simple words "Walk by faith" are quite popular. But they're more than a feel-good saying or inspiration for a painting. Saying words are easy. But how many people do you know that actually live this out? To live it is not easy. It requires that we let go of our carefully detailed plans and submit fully to God. (Side note here: I'm all for planning for the future, for retirement, for savings, etc. But we need to do so with an understanding that God is ultimately in control and be fully submitted to him so we can adjust our plans to his.)
The good news is that God continues on with us into our tomorrow so there is NO reason for fear. Even when God leads somewhere totally unexpected to us, remember that he's already there and never leaves despite the circumstance.
James reminds us that our lives are like a vapor. Understanding this ought to inspire us to live differently.
๐Build treasures in heaven - not earth. Don't live for the here and now. Live with heaven in mind. Money is only temporary. Work hard, make as much as you can, but don't treasure it as if it's going with you in death. Souls are the only thing you can take into eternity. How many souls will you bring?
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ~ Matt. 6:19-21
๐Remember that it's our job to plant seeds or water. Every single day people all around us die and go to either heaven or hell. Yet we're so singularly focused and concerned about what others think of us, who's better than who, how much money we can make.... all while ignoring the stranger we passed on the sidewalk or interacted with at the store. Live holy so God's name is glorified. Unbelievers watch closely. If they see a Christian who's just like the gossiper down the street with a dirty mouth and who acts just like their unsaved friends, they'll see a hypocrite. Pass out tracts and share Jesus with people. It's our job to plant seeds and water seeds others have planted. Praise God it's his job to give the increase and save them. That takes a huge burden off our shoulders because we can't save anyone. We can only share.
๐Live with open eyes. This world is full of hurting people. This presents Christians with abundant opportunities to show compassion, empathy, and hope.
Our days are numbered. No matter how physically healthy someone is or how rich, tomorrow doesn't arrive with a guarantee. In fact, the next hour doesn't either. If today you entered into eternity, would you be ashamed to stand before God with how you've lived? Or would you be ready and unashamed?