Charles Schwab recently aired a television commercial encouraging viewers to “Own Your Future.” This thought-provoking statement has an application to everyone. The Bible has a lot to say about your future. There are three steps to take ownership of your future.

First, there is the desire to own your future. Ecclesiastes 3:11b reads, “He has put eternity in their hearts.” This means everyone knows deep down inside there is more to life than the current daily grind. Regrettably, many are apathetic about the future and adopt the philosophical view of fatalism. Their motto is summed up in the phrase “Que Sera, Sera,” meaning “what will be will be.” Someone explains, “the phrase reflects a sense of fatalism, where the future is considered to be in the hands of fate.” Even while you live in time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), there is a God-given desire to own your future. Remember, you are made for more.

Second, there is the decision to own your future. There is a God-ordained decision for everyone to make about the future. John Oxenham’s poem titled “The Ways” concludes as follows:

“But to every man there openeth
A High Way, and a Low.

In other words, your future will either be in heaven or in hell. You must decide which one it will be. Missionary Jim Elliot prayed, “Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.” Remember, the only way to make this decision for Christ is by faith. Romans 10:17 reads, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Make certain you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the forgiveness of your sins based entirely on His death on the Cross for your salvation.

Third, there is the determination to own your future. There is a God-honoring determination to own your future. Christians need this kind of determination to make their life count for eternity. Remember, the only way to own your future is to know and do the will of God each day. May you hear a commendation by the Lord like the one recorded in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Faithful saints will receive eternal rewards and eternal responsibility. Hebrews 6:10 reads, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister.”

Remember, it begins with your desire, your decision and your determination to own your future. What a future it can be when you take this approach. You can own your future.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.