Researchers find that young adults who see enhanced pictures of themselves as elderly save more for their retirement. Envisioning our future can motivate what we do in the present. This helps to explain why King David made such elaborate plans to build a Temple. God prevented him from building it himself since he had killed so many people fighting wars. So he decided to gather materials so his son Solomon could do it. We learn in 1 Chronicles chapter 22 that David amassed 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver, and so much iron and bronze, it could not be weighed. Then he tells us why he gathered far more than one might expect. He says he gathered so much because, “The Temple to be built for the LORD must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world.” David perched himself far into the future and envisioned people the world over coming to the Temple to learn about and worship God. We all have the capacity to envision a future. Wise people do so and adjust their path to pursue a God-approved destiny.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
