The version of yourself you should never ignore...

I saw another great article on this website. In my usual fashion, I have rendered the article into a blog post designed for Christian professionals. Read below, and I hope that it helps you in some way.

Why Christian Professionals Should Care About Their Future Selves

As humans, God has gifted us with a remarkable ability to imagine the future and make decisions that shape it. Unlike animals that plan for immediate needs, we can dream of possibilities far beyond the present. This unique gift comes with a challenge: the temptation to favor immediate gratification over long-term blessings.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14 to press on toward the goal set before us, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize. This principle applies not only to our spiritual journey but also to how we steward our time, energy, and resources.

Let’s explore how future-mindedness, from a Christian perspective, can help us honor God in our work, families, and personal growth.

The Problem of Present Bias

Have you ever put off saving for the future, prioritizing a momentary expense instead? Or struggled to stick with a health goal because the reward felt too distant? Psychologists call this “delay discounting,” a natural tendency to undervalue future benefits in favor of immediate ones.

This aligns with what Scripture warns us against—living for the moment rather than for God’s eternal purposes. As Seneca famously said, “We suffer more from imagination than from reality.” Often, our fear of future outcomes or our focus on short-term pleasure clouds the bigger picture.

What God’s Word Says About the Future

The Bible is filled with examples of people who honored God by living with the future in mind:

• Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, trusting God’s promises for future generations (Genesis 22:1-18).

• Joseph stored grain during years of plenty, saving a nation during famine (Genesis 41:47-57).

• Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).

Each of these examples shows that trusting God’s plan means valuing the future He has prepared for us—both in this life and the next.

Practical Ways to Steward Your Future Self

1. Connect with Your Future Self

Research shows that feeling connected to who we’ll become makes us more likely to make decisions that benefit that person. As Christians, we’re called to see ourselves not just as individuals, but as part of God’s ongoing work in the world.

Ask yourself:

• How will my choices today shape who I am in 5, 10, or 20 years?

• Am I investing in habits that align with God’s will for my life?

2. Envision the Rewards of Obedience

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Take time to imagine the fruit of walking faithfully in your calling. Whether it’s financial stewardship, career goals, or spiritual growth, picture the rewards of perseverance.

Instead of vague goals like “be healthier,” imagine the specific benefits:

• Greater stamina to serve your family and community.

• A clearer mind to tackle the challenges of your work.

• Increased energy for ministry.

3. Use Language to Make the Future Feel Real

Adjust how you think and speak about the future. For example:

• Instead of saying, “I’ll retire in 30 years,” think, “I have 10,950 days to prepare for retirement.”

• Break large goals into smaller milestones and celebrate progress along the way.

James 4:13-15 reminds us that the future is in God’s hands. While we can’t control every outcome, we can prayerfully plan in ways that honor Him.

Faithful Living: A Heavenly Perspective

Caring for our future selves isn’t about selfish ambition; it’s about being faithful stewards of the life God has given us. When we neglect the future, we risk squandering opportunities to glorify Him.

By imagining the rewards of obedience, embracing small sacrifices today, and trusting God with the outcome, we can live out Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

So, Christian professional, how will you honor your future self today? Take one step toward the person God is shaping you to be—because your future is worth it.