"The future is a place of infinite promise and wonder. But by persistently pondering it, we distort the present." This quote (Tim Layden, "Future Issue", Sports Illustrated Magazine 11/19/2018) describes what I do at times —planning and yearning for the future so much that I miss the joy and opportunity of the present.

When reading the New Testament, time is communicated with two different words—Chronos and Kairos. Chronos refers to time measured by clocks and calendars – a quantitative measure. Kairos describes a present moment in time – a qualitative measure. Both are important but valuing one to the exclusion of the other just doesn't work. Living too much in the Chronos means that I miss the joy and opportunity of the Kairos.

Our future as followers of Jesus is secure and full of great promise—that's Chronos. But, when Jesus says,

"The time has come", he said, "The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news." Mark 1:15 NIV—that's Kairos.

Let us as God's children live with that hope for the future while acting with great purpose in the present.

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder