Topic: PROCRASTINATION
Bible Reading: Joel 1-3; Revelation 4.
Memory Verse: “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (KJV)
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something. It is a form of gratifying the flesh; most of us procrastinate at one time or the other. It can be detrimental if left unchecked. It can affect negatively our relationships, mental health or even financial wellbeing. Many procrastinators know that this behaviour is bad but they keep doing it. It’s important you understand why you or someone you know procrastinate. Generally, people procrastinate because their drive to delay is irrationally stronger than their drive to act. This happens when their self control and motivation are weakened by issues like exhaustion and are opposed by issues like fear.
Specifically, some root cause of proscrastination include: personal convenience. In Acts 24: 24-25; Paul explained his message of salvation to Felix, the governor and he trembled but instead of accepting Jesus as his Lord and Saviour he procrastinated to another day. This is why a lot of people do not give their lives to Christ.
Another reason for procrastination is intentional delay due to wrong attitude. In 2 Chronicles 24:4-5; King Joash was interested in repairing the house of God and he asked the priests and levites to hasten and go to the cities of Judah and gather enough money for the repairs of the church but the Levites did not hasten! Sometimes it is out of laziness that things are procrastinated. Proverbs 26:13-15 (KJV) says “The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. [14] As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. [15] The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.” Procrastination could also be as a result of the inability to forgo immediate pleasure. In Matthew 19:21-22 (KJV), “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Family pressure is another reason why people delay their salvation. In Luke 9:59-60 (KJV), “And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [60] Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” For others, it could be environmental factor as the Preacher stated in Ecclesiastes 11:4 (KJV), “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
The effect of procrastination includes loss of opportunities and fellowship. In Matthew 25:1-13, the foolish five virgins delayed in buying extra oil for their lamp and they missed fellowship with the bridegroom. It could also lead to you being caught off guard and unprepared for blessings or challenges that may come your way. You can conquer procrastination by setting realistic goals, proper planning of your activities such as prioritizing your activities for the day and reviewing your previous procrastinations to understand the major reasons for the procrastination. However at the root of it all is your self discipline to ensure you follow through your plan.
Action point: Assess your areas of procrastination to know what is primarily responsiblesible, then address the issues prayerfully.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero