Delay?
“That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:24-27.
Some people like to say that they are “born procrastinators.”
According to Scripture, that is impossible for believers.
Procrastination can be a form of bondage in a person’s life, and the Lord, who wants the best for His followers, didn’t design us to be enslaved. Procrastination has several common causes.
Discomfort
The first is an attempt to dodge discomfort.
Many people put off taking action because they feel uncomfortable or anxious about the ramifications.
In today’s passage, Felix sends Paul away-
– fearing the apostle’s talk about righteousness, self-control, and judgment.
This can show up in our spiritual life!
We sometimes delay Bible reading and meditating-
– because we are afraid God will bring to the surface a matter we need to confront.
Then, if such a subject comes up, we often choose to procrastinate about dealing with it. Issues like pride, self-control, or guilt may not be comfortable to face, but dodging them obstructs God’s purpose in our life.
Doubt
The second cause for putting things off is self-doubt.
Those who consider themselves inadequate to complete a task may choose not to begin it.
Related to this is another factor:
Dread
Fear of making a mistake or failing in an endeavour can make postponement seem preferable.
Procrastination is no laughing matter-
– particularly in the spiritual realm since delaying on an assignment from God is the same as disobeying Him.
Are you prone to delay?
Identify problem areas and the feelings that accompany them. Then confess your tendency, and rely on God’s strength to overcome it.