When I woke up this morning, the word procrastination was on my mind. The act of delaying or postponing something that could be done today until tomorrow is procrastination. So often we have good intentions of completing a task that we know needs to be done, but we continuously put it off until later. I don’t know about you, but I have come to the realization that life is too short and tomorrow is not promised to us. With that being said, let’s stop procrastinating, and get things done, especially those of grave importance.  May we live every day as if it is our last day, so let’s not put off until tomorrow what we should do today.   

In writing these messages, my intent has been to make them relative to the environment in which we are now living. The pandemic is real and COVID-19 has not gone anywhere. As a matter of fact, there is a new variant that is now amongst us. Lots of people are even procrastinating about getting a vaccine that could save their lives. Others are procrastinating about getting the booster shot that provides a greater chance of survival. The danger in procrastinating in this regard is life threatening. If we listen to the scientists who have led us through this crisis thus far, we understand that possibly thousands of people have died unnecessarily because they procrastinated or simply refused to be vaccinated.

When we procrastinate in spiritual matters, it can lead to a tragic ending, for it could determine whether we live in eternity in heaven or hell. One of the most dangerous words in life is tomorrow, but we use it so lightly. So often we say we are going to repent and turn to Jesus, but when the opportunity presents itself, we put it off until a later date. May we be reminded that the most important decision we can make in life is accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for now is the day of salvation” (Proverbs 27:1). Don’t put it off any longer, for if we are in sin, we should confess our sins, repent, ask for forgiveness and turn to Christ today; tomorrow may be too late.  “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in rebellion” (Hebrews 3:12-13, 15). To procrastinate and put off getting right with God is to harden our hearts.

As I was writing this message, I asked myself if there were things that are of utmost importance that I have procrastinated about. One that came to mind is the fact that I have not received my second shingles vaccine. I continuously put it off, but I am convicted to getting it today, if it is not too late.

There are those things that are very simple that we should or need to do, but we keep putting them off. May I suggest you make a list of all the things you need to do; and each day attempt to do at least two or three of them. If you end up doing only one, that is one that is off the list. Eventually you will get caught up and feel better about your living conditions. It may even reduce some of the stress you carry around with you every day. I have a dear friend who is stressed out because she has not done her last will and testimony. She realizes she has to do it, but keeps procrastinating. Why leave behind a mess when we can leave things in decency and order? Stop procrastinating and just do it.  I hope she is reading this message today.

The Bible reminds us that there are some things that we should not delay at doing. Jesus tells us that we should reconcile with a brother or sister we have offended immediately, once it comes to our remembrance (Matthew 5:23-24). He also tells us in verse 25 to “settle matters quickly” with our adversaries. If we have offended anyone, let today be our Day of Reconciliation. Let us not delay in healing a broken relationship. You may not even know why the relationship is broken, but take the first step in fixing it. That’s what Christians do.     

In conclusion, procrastination can be a dangerous habit that may have dire consequences. If you know your car needs the oil changed and serviced, but we keep procrastinating, we may end up having to put a new engine in the car. If you are physically feeling bad, but do not go to the doctor, it may have a devastating result.

As for our spiritual life, let’s get it in order today, for this is one of the most dangerous types of procrastination. The Bible urges us to get right with God today!

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor