It can be hard to imagine a future version of ourselves. Especially for those who have experienced a great deal of change in their lives, or have a history of ups and downs, the thought of imagining a future self may feel nearly impossible. But, it turns out, doing so can have profound effects.

A New York University psychologist, for example, conducted an experiment with college students. He gave some a real mirror and others virtual reality goggles that showed them a future version of themselves at age 68 or 70. Those who saw their older versions were more willing to invest money for retirement, complete schoolwork on time, and act ethically in business.

In “Become a Shadow of Your Future Self,” Ken Shigematsu reflects on this experiment. He writes, “When our identity is rooted in the knowledge that we are creatures who were made by God in dazzling glory and created with an original core of goodness and beauty, we can live inspired to become the masterpieces God intended. When we catch a vision for who we might become in the future, we can begin to live as that person now.”

While investing, diligence in academics, and ethics in business are noble practices, they cannot independently achieve what God can. May we, as Shigematsu writes, “grow into the glorious masterpieces of God’s imagining” by submitting ourselves to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit.