How to start a new venture, or step into a new year. Jurie Kriel writes in his book: Hitting the Ball You Cannot See. Disciples of the Lord should have faith and biblical discernment to do pioneering work for the Lord. (Hebrews 11:1) He provides five kinds of perspectives for the future. Disciples are called to be proactive and make a preferred future happen.
1. Possible (Future knowledge – ‘might happen’.
The outermost layer of the cone encompasses everything that could conceivably happen. However, they are limited by human imagination and the laws of physics. The ideas, technologies, and societal shifts are theoretical or just nascent. Even the political context could take an unexpected turn.
2. Plausible (Current knowledge- ‘could happen.’)
The plausible happens according to the current understanding of the world. The scenarios are logically consistent and within the realm of possibility. It is commonly understood, even spread on social media.
3. Probable (Current trends-‘likely to happen.’)
When the current trends continue unimpeded, it is possible to identify the patterns and trajectories that suggest a particular future. For example, Artificial Intelligence in daily life is a probable future. Along with that, there would be fear mongers and speculators. They will give their own interpretation of the situation.
4. Projected (default extrapolation – ‘most probable.’)
This is the default future if the trends continue without a change. With existing information, knowledge, and extracted data, it is possible to do a right projection. This is a balanced interpretation of the available data.
5. Preferable (Desired future – ‘want to happen.’)
This is the future, as disciples of the Lord want or seek to happen. It is not a passive prediction, but an active aspiration. It is a desirable outcome, as disciples endeavour to create. The Christian leaders should precisely navigate the Cone of the Future. Instead of reacting to probable and projected outcomes, should intentionally steer towards what is preferable. That is possible by faith in the Sovereign God, knowing His will, discerning times, and taking bold steps towards the desired future.
Do I work towards a preferable and desired future by faith?