The current thought process for most of us these days is about what’s new…
It’s important to be current…which means often we are making decisions quicker…
It makes the word “moment” more important than ever…
We are to enjoy the moment…
We all want to “live in the moment” as much as possible, and culture is demanding it these days…
I want to join the party, but I’m reminded of an important principle…
Living in the moment can be dangerous…
It’s great in theory, but some moments can get you off track…
Unless it’s lived within the purview of a planned future…
My son Nate says, “You have to consider your now in the context of your then“. He’s so smart…
The Bible continually encourages us to think about the days ahead, our eternity, and plan our life accordingly…
(Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:12-17, Romans 8:18)…
We are warned about the moments (Ecclesiastes 10:1)
Have fun in the moment…be timely….act quickly…
Don’t miss an opportunity…
Enjoy the ride….
But make sure your moment is properly grounded in your future…
At least the future you say you want to realize some day…
Do you understand the power of a moment…for good and for bad?
Ron, Great forum! I agree with the danger of “living in the moment” or living in the flesh. I have a spin on the “moment”. I believe that the power of a moment can change your day, week, life or the world. Our lives are made up of “moments”. In a moment an overwhelming desire to do right can save a life. (good Samaritan) “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”-1 Cor15:52(NASB) All we need is that pivotal moment where we take a stand for good, for love- for Christ! The trumpet hasn’t sounded yet we can still be changed right here, right now! Allow your heart to be circumsized. Grab the very next moment and do something to meet a need, which may change a heart. That heart that is changed may belong to a stranger, friend, loved one or it may even be your own. This life is made up of moments and some are very difficult but as you seek God you will find an ease in making good choices and will gain MOMENTum in living for God in ALL of your moments…
I agree with you. Good thoughts. I once wrote a similar thought about those life changing moments here: https://ronedmondson.com/2009/11/your-life-can…
I agree wholeheartely! You have to live thinking of the future. But I find the reverse to be true as well, you can get so focused on the end, that you neglect the now. And in some areas of life, that just won't do. With my children, for instance. I have 5. Each of them needs me to be fully present with them in the now, right now, Dad, are you listening, moment. And I try *very* hard to live with them in the present.
Having said that, I also spend alot of time praying about their future as well. Their spiritual decisions. Their future. Their college. Their marriage. Their ability to take care of me when I'm 90 ;).
Like I said, I agree. I think you're dead on. It takes a balance, like Uma Maheswaran S mentioned, making our "presence compatible with future."
Thanks for a great post! Makes me think… Now I'm going to go say good morning to my kids for a while.
Balance…yes…
Ron, I appreciate and agree with what you're saying, but the term "live in the moment," as used in countless books and essays these days, is not about joining the party — or even being concerned with the party. It's about finding peace in understanding that which can be controlled, and finding fulfillment in that which is important. While it's being packaged as as an eastern theological approach, I find it very much in step with my Christian beliefs and I know it can be very beneficial to people when they are overwhelmed with guilt, grief or addiction.
I'm a planner, I run a business and I love to read history, so I am very much a person who cares about context. However, I embrace the term "live in the moment" as used as a call for us to do that which is important now.
I totally agree with what you are saying…what I see many times is a "live and let be" attitude that's careless about the future. With everything great (living in the moment in the right context is great) there's the danger of carrying that thought to an extreme. Thanks for sharing the other side of this post.
We can live in the moment (ie, the present) but we should be careful to have the big picture in mind. Our current moment's behavior should lead way to our ultimate goal. In other words, make your present compatible with future.
Exactly