Sorry, the future isn’t all that new

Tom Harper Feb. 5, 2024

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

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
LinkedIn profile
Books

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More »

• Does God have a new calling for you? (by Tom Harper)
• How to pray while you’re waiting on God (by Tom Harper)
• Are you waiting on God for something? (by Tom Harper)
• The power of perseverance (by Tom Harper)

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now