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DAY 4: THE WISDOM TO BLESS YOUR FUTURE SELF

In yesterday’s reading, we focused on practical steps to pave the way for growth and blessing in our lives. Let’s pick up from there with some wisdom to bless our future selves. I think that’s a good definition of wisdom – choosing to do now what your future self will thank you for. This requires discipline and can take many shapes. In its simplest form, it means doing the hard thing now to enjoy the benefit later, for example tackling a hard task instead of procrastinating; working diligently towards a dream; exercising regularly; paying off debts; saving money; and so on.

This kind of long-term thinking is the opposite of immediate gratification, which is getting what I want now but paying a price for it later. A Biblical example is Esau. Famished from hunting, he trades his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew. (Read Genesis 25:27–34.)

Esau’s name becomes synonymous with his foolish choice. Hebrews 12:16–17 (MSG) warns: “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing – but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.” In some Bible versions, the verse mentions sexual immorality as a short-term appetite that will derail your life.

Sometimes, blessing your future self requires counter-intuitive steps. You may need to slowdown and rest more to sustain long-term wellbeing rather than burn out.

One of my foundational principles – road-tested in my personal life and on my leadership journey – is this: when you live right consistently, time is your advantage. In other words, keep doing the right things and you’ll reap the benefits over time.

Consistency is the key to breakthrough and progress. As Bruce Lee said: “Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity.” It’s better to pace yourself and keep going than to burn out and quit. Keep up any good habit in your life, no matter how small you start, and you’ll gain momentum. Slow progress trumps no progress.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says:“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”That’s what it takes to finish well.