The Danger of Tomorrow
For most people danger is something that is easy to recognize. If a hurricane is brewing at sea, or a tornado siren goes off, people understand danger is imminent. When we hear the chilling and eerie sound of a rattlesnake, or we see a dorsal fin gliding across the water, it is obvious danger is in the area. Without a doubt, danger is something that is easy to recognize. However, one danger many people never see coming is the danger of tomorrow.
It would be fair to say tomorrow is the most beloved day of the week. After all, tomorrow is an opportunity to mow the grass, tomorrow is when we are going to start our new diet, and tomorrow is the perfect time to wash the dishes. The simple reality is we love tomorrow because it is convenient. We do not have to worry about the chores or our diet today, because those things can easily be accomplished tomorrow. So, what makes tomorrow so dangerous?
In Proverbs 27:1 the Bible says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Friends, tomorrow is a danger to you and me, because we have no guarantee it will ever come. Certainly, when it comes to mowing the lawn or doing the dishes, tomorrow is not a big threat. However, when it comes to sin, tomorrow is the greatest danger any man can face.
When Jesus spoke about judgment day, He was clear there would be no sign nor warning of His coming. In Matthew 24:36 He said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” The truth is, we have no idea when the Lord is going to return, yet so many people tarry in their sin. When it comes to spirituality, so many are willing to say, “I’ll take care of my grievance with my brother tomorrow” or “Tomorrow, I’ll make sure I stop this sin or that sin”, but brethren, that kind of mindset is foolish and it’s dangerous. Scripture clearly teaches when there is sin in our life, there needs to be an urgency to get rid of it. You will remember it was Ananias who told the sinful man, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). When the Ethiopian eunuch knew he was not right with God he said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized” (Acts 8:36)? These men understood the danger of tomorrow, but do we?
Many years ago there was a man who was in desperate need to make his life right with God. Fortunately for this man there was a Gospel preacher in town who took the time to study with him. The preacher reasoned with this man, and he explained the things that God’s Word taught, however, after hearing all the preacher had to say, the man replied, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25). You see, the truth of the matter is, even when the apostle Paul is the preacher, even when God’s Word is so eloquently proclaimed, people are still willing to say, “I’ll take care of my sin tomorrow.”
While tomorrow may not frighten you like a tornado siren or eerie rattle of a diamondback, we would all be wise to consider its danger. Sin unrepented today is sin you will regret tomorrow. As New Testament Christians, may we never say, “I’ll take care of my sin tomorrow.”