When we’re caught up in the needs of the moment without giving thought to the future, we might be stuck in the present. We may feel we have so much to do in the short term that we don’t have time to even think about the future. We then flounder about, seeming to have little purpose and direction.
The Problem with Being Stuck in the Present
Ministry tends to be shortsighted when we’re stuck in the present. We lack vision of what can be and of who people can become, if we don’t look past the needs of the moment. We consequently fail to build people and our ministries up in a way that prevents future issues. We aren’t preparing or equipping for the next stage of growth. Growth, then, rarely happens. If there is a spurt, it tends to be short-lived because we weren’t ready for it.
Churches and ministries stuck in the present tend to basically move from one crisis to another. When we’re constantly putting out fires, we lack the time and energy to do much more.
What It Takes to Get Unstuck
We must understand that moving forward doesn’t mean we neglect the present. Look at Philippians 3:14-16.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
To be sure, pressing on is important. There’s more to the Christian life and ministry than we see and experience in the present. Having goals and pursing them is biblical. Notice, however, that it doesn’t mean we neglect where we are currently. Right now, we take care to live up to “what we have already attained”. We’re accountable for what we do in the present.
We must keep our eye on “the prize” or we will be stuck in the present. And, we must take steps, even if they’re baby steps, to keep moving. We must “press on” despite the needs of the moment. — “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2)