Someone has said that the future stands before us like a man with his hands behind his back, holding either a bouquet or a brickbat. Trouble is, we can't be sure which it is.

Planning for the future is one thing; presuming concerning it is quite another. There is wisdom in planning for retirement, emergencies, college, etc., but presuming that we will retire or go to college is far from certain.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)

Planning for the future is not precluded; merely presuming concerning it is. It is the ultimate arrogance to presume that we will be alive tomorrow because there are no such certainties. James says it well:

"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." (James 4:13-15)

We plan and anticipate the future but in reality we have this moment. Humble people of God know that our existence tomorrow is a gift of grace from our Creator and do not presume that tomorrow is our entitlement. Our goal is to maximize the moment we have; to make the most of our time (Ephesians 5:16)

Time well spent is time invested in things of eternal importance. Affirming loved ones. Encouraging the discouraged. Considering how to "stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24). Sharing the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God.

If this moment were the only moment, would you do anything differently? Are there things of a presumed tomorrow that become priorities today?

We have this moment. I may squander the next moment but this present moment devoted to sharing and encouraging you is my highest priority.

Carpe diem. Seize the moment; seize the day.

Steve