PERILS OF PROCRASTINATION
Mark Twain once quipped, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow...” Although that is taking procrastination to an extreme, most of us occasionally struggle with putting things off. Examples include cleaning the house, garage or attic, making a doctor or dentist appointment, doing homework, paying a bill, filling our vehicle with gas, eating healthier, or something as simple as getting ready for work or church.
Although putting things off may not seem to be a serious issue, most of us would agree that we’d be better off if we handled things in a timely manner. In fact, the Bible contains numerous examples of procrastinators that paid a steep price for putting things off.
Consider the rich man in the parable Jesus told in Luke 16:19-21. He essentially thought only of himself, while ignoring a starving beggar at his gate – Lazarus. While he may have planned to help Lazarus at some point, his life ended before he got around to it. After opening his eyes in flaming torment, he likely wished countless times that he’d helped Lazarus when he’d the chance.
In Acts 24:25 the apostle Paul stood before the governor Felix and taught him concerning Jesus Christ. Felix was then given a opportunity that few rulers of his day received. “Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” What a wasted opportunity! As far as we know, Felix never obeyed the gospel.
Remember Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13? The five foolish virgins refused to take the opportunity to obtain extra oil for their lamps in case the bridegroom was delayed. It turned out that he was delayed, and the five foolish virgins ran out of oil. Although they made a last minute effort to obtain oil for their lamps, it was too late. The door to the wedding was closed, and they were left in the darkness.
If we procrastinate when it comes to doing God’s will, we may end up in serious trouble ourselves.
Have you putt off reading your bible daily?
Mark Twain once quipped, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow...” Although that is taking procrastination to an extreme, most of us occasionally struggle with putting things off. Examples include cleaning the house, garage or attic, making a doctor or dentist appointment, doing homework, paying a bill, filling our vehicle with gas, eating healthier, or something as simple as getting ready for work or church.
Although putting things off may not seem to be a serious issue, most of us would agree that we’d be better off if we handled things in a timely manner. In fact, the Bible contains numerous examples of procrastinators that paid a steep price for putting things off.
Consider the rich man in the parable Jesus told in Luke 16:19-21. He essentially thought only of himself, while ignoring a starving beggar at his gate – Lazarus. While he may have planned to help Lazarus at some point, his life ended before he got around to it. After opening his eyes in flaming torment, he likely wished countless times that he’d helped Lazarus when he’d the chance.
In Acts 24:25 the apostle Paul stood before the governor Felix and taught him concerning Jesus Christ. Felix was then given a opportunity that few rulers of his day received. “Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” What a wasted opportunity! As far as we know, Felix never obeyed the gospel.
Remember Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13? The five foolish virgins refused to take the opportunity to obtain extra oil for their lamps in case the bridegroom was delayed. It turned out that he was delayed, and the five foolish virgins ran out of oil. Although they made a last minute effort to obtain oil for their lamps, it was too late. The door to the wedding was closed, and they were left in the darkness.
If we procrastinate when it comes to doing God’s will, we may end up in serious trouble ourselves.
Have you putt off reading your bible daily?
- Have you put off improving your church or Bible class attendance?
- Have you put off increasing your giving?
- Have you put off contacting our shut-ins or those who’ve been missing services?
- Have you put off forgiving someone that hurt you?
- Have you put off talking to your neighbor about salvation?
“Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
A Recommitted Me in 2023!
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