"'Do you believe in life after death?' What can one say as a Christian? Of course I do. I believe that Jesus died and rose for us and in him we have eternal life. But I felt there was a danger of putting off to some future date what should be ours now- life, and life in all its fullness. Too many sad folks project their own desires to a future world when they should be living by faith in this world. I believe in life after death but I also believe in life before death. We need to make sure we are living now."
Adam, The Road of Life, 122.
If we do not live out the gospel, we are always in danger of projecting true life somewhere else other than to our current experience. Some project true life back "in the day" when they felt alive and free. They often forget that at the time they were likely projecting forward looking forward to true life in the future!
Others, particularly those who lived or are living through times of struggle, project true life into the future. My family on my dad's side often lived this way. They projected into heaven all of their desires for life, and they complained about their physical ailments and difficulties in the present. For these good hearted folks, the present was something to be endured and not really enjoyed. They are models for a brand of Christian spirituality that many live.
The gospel compels us to live in the present. God is with us right here and now. His presence is around us, in us, and near us. We can meet with Him in repentance and faith. He promises us life right now- at work, at home, at play, or in difficulty. His lightest touch can make even the most difficult tasks enjoyable. So why do we project His presence backward or forward in time when His life changing power is here and now?
I know this is hard to live out. Here is an example from our life. Currently, we are looking forward to a new ministry in Seattle. I think about the house and possessions to sell, the packing needed, and all the plans I hope to see come to fruition. On the other hand, as I meet with my friends in Maine I am also looking backward at my great times here. I feel caught between what will happen and what has happened!
I have also found this to be true after difficult situations and times. My mind constantly pulls me back to what I should have said or done. In many ways when I think this way, I forget the present and live in the past.
So what do I do? What should we do? How about bring my God into the living of the present? Repent of the thoughts from the past that sometimes flood my mind. Repent and believe that God was at work and He used it all for my good!
When I get caught up in thinking about the future, I need to talk with God about it. Pray and ask for His wisdom and guidance as I move toward that future. I need to ask Him to redeem and work greatly in the present. I ask Him to give me eyes to see His labor and task for me today.
May the Lord dwell in your present this day. May your thoughts and prayers turn to inviting Him to redeem the past, bless the future, and meet with you in the present!
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