Sorry, the future isn’t all that new
Solomon famously says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc. 1:9).
As leaders planning for the future, this begs a question of us: Should we just keep doing what we’ve been doing, since nothing really changes?
What does Solomon mean in this verse? The context indicates that there are certain rhythms and processes in nature, as well as aspects of human nature, that will never change.
We always want more. We never have enough. Because of the insatiable cravings of humanity, not much changes—it just gets worse. People do the same kinds of things they’ve done before, though sometimes with new twists.
As we plan the future of our businesses and ministries, we must be mindful that the primary ingredient of the future is, well, the present.
This tempers our vision. It brings practical clarity to our dreams. It brings reality to bear on our ambitions.
And it keeps our plans grounded in a world that shifts but doesn’t really change.
What do people gain from all their labors
at which they toil under the sun?
—Ecc. 1:3
Leading with you,
Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
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