Procrastination is a leading cause of regret. So many individuals have lost untold opportunities because of it. And unfortunately, many more will be lost. Like it or not, we’re all running out of time. The day you were born the clock started ticking. With every second, one comes closer to his or her last breath. In whatever length of time one has to live, there will be deadlines throughout his or her lifespan. Decisions to delay actions can be costly on so many levels; and yet, people procrastinate and fail to live up to their fullest potential. Even worse, they neglect their calling. While it is feasible to produce hundred-fold fruit for the Lord, many will settle for 60 or 30. Some even less. Everyone has deep work to do; but, not everyone will finish their assignment. Some will never start.
The idea of having plenty of time is an illusion, because it’s a nonrenewable resource. With that known factor, many put money ahead of time. Conversely, because they don’t make good use of time, others don’t have money. Just as it is written: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man” (Proverbs 6:10-11). And yet, those driven by money, who may even accumulate much of it, forget it can be generated, but not so with time. Creating wealth isn’t a bad thing; on the other hand, chasing riches can be an extravagant use of time. Relationships have been lost or never started because of the overemphasis on money. That’s another lesson to consider. But know this: you can miss your calling by having it too high on your list of priorities. Luke 12:15-21 And He (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth . . . But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (read entire passage for full context). We all will give an account to the Lord for our allotted time on earth.
Why do people procrastinate? Some might answer, “Because they’re lazy!” It would be easy to assume so, but let’s go deeper. In some cases, it is the lack of belief they can succeed in their calling or given task. People get overwhelmed by what’s ahead, and see no feasible way to finish the race. They drop out before the gun goes off to start it. They simply do not believe they can do it, so why even begin?
Another reason is their personal agenda. They are not interested in the calling of God upon their life, nor any new assignment. They want to do their own thing. For instance, many of those who live in the U.S.A., are caught up in “The American Dream.” They don’t even consider the things of the Kingdom of God, and we’re talking about “Christians.” It ties in with the previous passage in Luke 12. Some want an “ordinary life,” without being bothered with anything Kingdom related. Some are fully aware of their calling, but they put it off, push it away or even reject it. While being saved is not the result of our works, there still are works to be done (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Everyone has a labor of love. If you prefer the American Dream, do you really love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? No guilt intended, just a question for self-awareness.
Here’s a common reason for procrastination: fear. The fear of man, and the fear of failure play a big role. Some are imprisoned by other people’s expectations of them. They’re afraid of disappointing them. They’re afraid of rejection. Their deficit of affirmation ties in with the fear of looking foolish if they were to fail. How many prefer human affirmation over God’s? There’s also the fear of success and the fear of loss. Whatever the what may be, it’s still fear. For you who may struggle with it, remember, “Perfect love casts out fear!” Embrace the love of God, and fear will lose its grip on you.
Here’s one more: people are wore out. They’re tired, and it sounds too much like work. Here’s a little secret: you wear out when you do the wrong work. Some claim to be too busy. Being too busy is code for procrastination. When you do what you’re called to do, God’s grace enables you. He refreshes and strengthens those who obey Him. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The question is, what will you do with time you have left on earth? Here’s a suggestion: start with asking God what He would have for you. Just a thought!
