By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” There is no more time. Be careful and make the most out of every opportunity. Procrastination is the act of willfully delaying doing something that should be done. It is a thief of time. You deliberately put off for tomorrow what needs to be done today.
Why do people procrastinate?
Fear of failure - you are scared of hig assignments for fear of failing; you cannot do it on your own, but with God’s help, you will. ex. Israelites and the promised land (Numbers 13-14)
Perfectionism - You become too busy perfecting things that you miss what is important ex. Martha missed that one thing brcause she was busy making iy perfect (Luke 10:38-42)
Lack of discipline - Your day begins the night before; know what you need to do for the next day ex. Samson and his poor choices in life delayed the full potential of his calling (Jusges 13-16)
Overwhelmed by the task - Do things in bite sized pieces; agod will increase your capacity if you just say yes. ex. Moses kept making excuses not to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 13)
Complacency/laziness - Some have no motivation to move thinking there will always be time ex. Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Procrastination in the bible is actually a sin. It makes you miss the mark of God’s best in your life. The things that were meant for you are taken back because you did not work on it right away.
Delayed obedience is disobedience. James 4:17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” What if Jonah just went straight to Nineveh? He could have not been eaten by the big fish.
Wasted time - you only have one life to live. Move. Don’t waste your time. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Feeding laziness and pride - If you are lazy, you will not see the fulness of your future. Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
Consequences of Procrastination
You get missed opportunities - You miss divine appointments, blessings and breakthroughs. Matthew 25:1-12 talks about the parable of the 10 bridesmaides. 5 of them were not prepared for the coming of the bridegroom and the gates were closed on them. You need to do things ahead of time so you do not miss the opportunities that come your way.
You will have spiritual stagnation. - Your faith needs to grow. Hebrews 5:12 stays, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”
You will have broken relationships. - Stop the drama. Jesus commands you to forgive; He does not ask. Mathew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
How can we overcome procrastination?
Acknowledge it as sin. 1John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Admit your mistake and just do it.
Set your priority. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Why are you here? I pray you are here because of Jesus. Righteousness is being right in the eyes of God.
Take practical steps. Proverbs 4:25-27 says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Look straight and do what you really need to do.
- Break things into small tasks.
- Avoid distractions like your phone.
- Just do it.
Find people you can be accountable to. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” It goes a long way.
Rely on God’s strength. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” You cannot do anything apart from God.
Do not delay the work of God. He has big things for your life. Stop saying no and start saying yes so you can see the signs, wonders and miracles. You will see the floodgates of heaven open. This is for you.
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