Living Today for Tomorrow
I loved the candy “Now & Laters” as a kid; of course, I know better to eat them now lest I lose a tooth or two… But it got me thinking: Life is a series of “nows” and “laters.” Think about it: every “later” you’ve ever imagined eventually becomes a “now.” The decisions you’re making today are shaping the reality you’ll experience tomorrow, next year, and for most, even decades from now.
The connection between now and later is inescapable. What you choose to do—or not do—today will ripple into the future, creating either opportunities or obstacles. As much as we’d like to separate the two, now always impacts later. The good news? That means you can intentionally design your later by how you live your now. Please don’t misunderstand, I am fully aware that not all of life is predictable; some things – good & bad – just seem to happen. And I also am fully aware of and grateful for God’s providence in our lives. These thoughts, however, are about the MANY ways you and I can shape our future.
The Predictable Power of Now
It’s easy to live in the moment without much thought for the future. Our culture often encourages a “live for today” mindset, but the Bible teaches us a different perspective. Proverbs 4:25 reminds us to keep our eyes fixed ahead: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”
Living intentionally today is not about sacrificing joy or spontaneity—it’s about aligning our daily actions with the future we want to create. If we don’t live with purpose now, we’ll find ourselves arriving at a later we never intended.
Consider these examples:
- If you want financial freedom later, you must practice wise spending and saving now.
- If you desire a strong, healthy marriage later, it starts with intentional love and communication now.
- If you long for a vibrant relationship with God later, it begins with small, faithful habits today—prayer, reading His Word, and worship.
Much of our later isn’t random. It’s the predictable result of the choices we make right now.
Shaping Your Later with Purpose
So how do we ensure that the later we want aligns with God’s plan for our lives? Here are three steps to help you live intentionally now:
- Define Your Desired Later
Take time to reflect on where you want to be in the future. What kind of person do you want to become? What legacy do you want to leave? Write down your goals—spiritual, relational, financial, and personal. Be specific. - Assess Your Now
Look honestly at your current habits, attitudes, and priorities. Are they leading you toward the later you desire? If not, what needs to change? This isn’t about perfection; it’s about aligning your daily actions with your long-term vision. - Make Small, Consistent Changes
Don’t underestimate the power of small steps. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent, faithful effort adds up. Start with one or two habits that will move you closer to your goals. Trust God to bless your obedience.
Balancing Now and Later
While it’s important to plan for the future, it’s equally vital to live fully in the present. God calls us to be faithful stewards of the time we’ve been given—not to hoard it for tomorrow, but to use it wisely today. Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Balancing now and later means trusting God with your future while being fully present in your current season. It’s about making decisions today that honor Him and reflect His purposes, without being consumed by fear or anxiety about what’s to come.
Living Intentionally, Starting Today
What kind of later are you creating with your now? If you’re not sure, it’s never too late to start living intentionally. With God’s guidance and grace, you can course-correct, set new priorities, and take steps toward a future that glorifies Him.
So, what’s one thing you can do today to move closer to the later you desire? Start there, and trust that God will multiply your efforts as you seek Him.
Reflection Verse:
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)
#IntentionMatters #ChooseWisely #PurposefulLiving