Future Bob

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about Future Bob recently. Future Bob is me in 10+ years who is going to thank Today Bob for trying to get in a little better shape, eat a bit healthier, and have a couple of nickels in the bank for another day. While these are all good things (and I think the Bible encourages them), God is even more concerned with Eternal Bob, so what are some things Today Bob can be doing to have the best outcome for Eternal Bob?

 

1 John 3:2 

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

 

Things to think about:

·       What is Today Bob doing to help out Future Bob?

o   Being more intentional with exercise and diet

§  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

o   Being a good steward of our finances

§  The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

o   Trying to leave a positive legacy for my children and those around me

§  Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

 

·       As good as these things are, they are but a mere foreshadowing of what’s in store for Eternal Bob

o   Our bodies aren’t meant to last forever

§  2 Cor 5:1 - For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

§  2 Cor.5: 4 - …(we long) to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

o   Treasures in Heaven

§  Matthew 6:20-21 - but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

§  2 Timothy 4:8 - in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

§  1 Peter 5:4 - And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

o   Not what man says about me but what God says

§  Romans 8:16-17 - The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

§  1 John 3:2 - Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

By taking care of Today Bob and Future Bob, I can do my part to impact the kingdom for those around me and to the honor of God.  What lays in store for you and me is unspeakably wonderful and should motivate us to make the most of our short time here!