For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
--Ecclesiastes 7:10
Looking Back
This verse is about looking back. When life’s trials loom before us (job loss, family issues, lengthy illness, death, etc.), it is easy to drift in to the past. Missed opportunities can also weigh heavily. “Yesteryear” was easier. Life was simpler then.
Who do you know that often relives the ‘glory days’ of high school or college? Every conversation soon turns to that ‘great’ event of the past or the way it was.
“Those were the good ol’ days.”
This kind of thinking, Solomon said, does NOT come from wisdom.
Looking Forward
The other side of now is also addressed in Scripture. James wrote about those who make future business plans without taking into consideration the brevity of life. As an alternative to boasting about one’s future:
This verse is about looking back. When life’s trials loom before us (job loss, family issues, lengthy illness, death, etc.), it is easy to drift in to the past. Missed opportunities can also weigh heavily. “Yesteryear” was easier. Life was simpler then.
Who do you know that often relives the ‘glory days’ of high school or college? Every conversation soon turns to that ‘great’ event of the past or the way it was.
“Those were the good ol’ days.”
This kind of thinking, Solomon said, does NOT come from wisdom.
Looking Forward
The other side of now is also addressed in Scripture. James wrote about those who make future business plans without taking into consideration the brevity of life. As an alternative to boasting about one’s future:
Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.”--James 4:15
The emphasis is not as much about the planning as it is the uncertainty of life. You do not know if you live until tomorrow. Tomorrow is in the Lord’s hands. So, boasting about tomorrow’s plans is futile. Some people live in tomorrow pouring their thoughts and efforts into uncertain outcomes to the extent that they forget to live today.
Ah! Vacations!
You may remember vacations that would qualify as “the good ol’ days.” Each day’s agenda: play, play, eat, play. There were no responsibilities.
Ah! The early years!
What about the first few years of marriage? New wife, new job, bright future, great vegetable garden, new baby, good friends. What was so good about the early years of marriage? We remember the good and even hardships and mistakes are often remembered with laughter.
Ah! The prospects of tomorrow!
Planning for the future can be quite fun, but speculative. Why? It has its feet firmly planted in...“if.”
Ugh! Today!
Many people are weary of the reality of today before it even beings. Today is filled with responsibilities and obstacles of many kinds. That’s no fun.
Wisdom From Above
Solomon teaches us that it is unwise to live in the past, while James reminds us of the uncertainty of tomorrow, that it is also unwise to live in the future. We are not taught to shut our eyes to the past or to the future. We should learn from the past. Whatever our future on earth holds, we can look forward in hope to our eternal home. Yet it is important to live now.
Look back! Laugh. Evaluate. Enjoy memories. Just don’t live there.
Look forward! Dream. Make plans. But don’t live there either.
The past is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is reality. Today is your residence. Today is where your friends and family exist. Today is life. Meet the challenges and responsibilities of each day head on.
For a New Testament perspective on past, present and future, read Romans 5:1-5. Then, persevere through the hardships and consider how God is refining you into someone better.
Today, where are you living?
Ah! Vacations!
You may remember vacations that would qualify as “the good ol’ days.” Each day’s agenda: play, play, eat, play. There were no responsibilities.
Ah! The early years!
What about the first few years of marriage? New wife, new job, bright future, great vegetable garden, new baby, good friends. What was so good about the early years of marriage? We remember the good and even hardships and mistakes are often remembered with laughter.
Ah! The prospects of tomorrow!
Planning for the future can be quite fun, but speculative. Why? It has its feet firmly planted in...“if.”
Ugh! Today!
Many people are weary of the reality of today before it even beings. Today is filled with responsibilities and obstacles of many kinds. That’s no fun.
Wisdom From Above
Solomon teaches us that it is unwise to live in the past, while James reminds us of the uncertainty of tomorrow, that it is also unwise to live in the future. We are not taught to shut our eyes to the past or to the future. We should learn from the past. Whatever our future on earth holds, we can look forward in hope to our eternal home. Yet it is important to live now.
Look back! Laugh. Evaluate. Enjoy memories. Just don’t live there.
Look forward! Dream. Make plans. But don’t live there either.
The past is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is reality. Today is your residence. Today is where your friends and family exist. Today is life. Meet the challenges and responsibilities of each day head on.
For a New Testament perspective on past, present and future, read Romans 5:1-5. Then, persevere through the hardships and consider how God is refining you into someone better.
Today, where are you living?
Mark Stinnett
February 16, 2025
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