How would you live today, if you knew there was no tomorrow?
It’s a legitimate question, especially in light of yesterday’s events in Thousand Oaks. Those poor people woke filled with hopes and dreams, not realizing yesterday was all they’d have. Our hearts break for their families and we shake our heads at the senselessness violence that ended their lives. At the same time, however, we realize that none of us can be confident of tomorrow. Each day may be our last.
This is a depressing thought, but it need not be. In a way it is freeing. It gives us the permission to live each day to the fullest, not worrying about tomorrow, but taking delight in the present. Instead of being distracted by trivial things, it refocuses us on what really matters.
At the same time, this realization does not give us license to act like fools, to “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” Why waste the last day of your life being stupid? Instead, realizing each day is precious, we must “be careful, then, how [we] live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15 NIV.
God promises to be with us everyday, but He makes no promises about how many days we’ll have. Realizing that, we must make the most of today and “not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:24.
Everyday we must “Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously.” (v. 23). We must “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah 1:17.
Until tomorrow all you have is today. Enjoy every moment and make every moment count, because this is the day the Lord has made – rejoice and be glad in it!