Living for
the Moment
The
temptation of living only for the moment
Medical
science has proven that teenagers often act without forethought for the
consequences of reckless behavior because their brains have not yet fully
developed. They are not simply being defiant of the rules of driving, or taking
chances with dangerous behavior, but have an inability to process the
consequences of their actions. In other words, they don't recognize the
possible finality of their behavior, and for many of them, even death does not
seem final.
When we focus
only on the here and now, we are in reality acting like those teenagers. The
inner sense of the importance of preparing for eternity, is shut down, and we
don't even think of the spiritual consequences of our short term focus. We
treat eternity as though it were a myth, and place all our energies on getting
what we think we need in the now.
The universal
temptation of our time is to be living only for the present moment. We want to
enjoy ourselves now, relax and be comfortable now, have it all now. Our focus
is, consequently, on a tiny slice of eternity. By focusing on such a narrow
moment in time, we forget the importance of preparing for eternity.
By placing
all our time and energy on the acquisition of things, and on being comfortable
and fulfilled in this life, we forget the importance of spiritual preparation
for what will be eternity. This life was not gifted to us by God, for pleasure
and the acquisition of things, but as a time for us to draw ourselves closer to
the Creator God Who loves us, and desires that we commune with Him for all
eternity. Like the high school students who are preparing for their life by
studying in school, this life is, for us, a time of preparation.
With love in
Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
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