The secretary at my church publishes a monthly newsletter detailing church events and news from the congregation. I expressed an interest in writing an article to be included.
My suggestion was met with great enthusiasm. What she didn’t know was that she would be dealing with a procrastinator. Sure, I start putting some notes together at the beginning of the month, but I always intend to get them together ‘later.’ And next thing I know – it’s the end of the month. Does anyone else do this? Am I the only one who thinks if it’s worth doing, it will be done better tomorrow?
In high school and college, I always wrote my reports at the last minute. When I started working my first job, I inevitably clocked in late. The only spots on my record were for lack of punctuality.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve worked towards becoming more punctual, but on a daily basis, I find trivial things I can put off for just one more day. Won’t that laundry still be there tomorrow?
As a Christian, I hope you agree that we don’t want to be guilty of procrastinating spiritual activities. We always intend to witness to our neighbor. We always intend to read the Bible more and memorize the scriptures that help us to be that dynamic witness we want to be. When was it that we decided to be more faithful in our attendance to the church services? Was that back in January? It is all too easy to turn the alarm clock off and say, “Oh, I can always start going next Sunday.”
The Bible says in Colossians 4:5 – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” The American Heritage Dictionary says that to redeem is to purchase back; to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price; to repurchase. It takes effort to redeem time and laziness to waste it. How often do we say, “Where did the time fly?”
The time is at hand. The time to start reading the Bible is now. The time to witness to your neighbor and pray for your family is now. My prayer is that I will redeem the time as I live each day to its fullest for the Lord.
Donna,
Yes, my laundry needs done, too! I, also, am a great procrastinator. I not only put off writing my reports in high school until the last minute...I didn't even bother reading the books! I would just write something that sounded like it pertained to the book and would get an A! Man, I hate to admit that to my kids!! I thank God that I can attempt to be a better example now that I'm a Christian and a mom!
Great devotion!
17 Jun 2003
Welcome to FaithWriters, Donna. You'll like it here! I enjoyed your article. I too have to overcome the "bad habit" of procrastication. (In fact, I'd determined to do so a number of times, but I just keep putting it off!) Looking forward to reading more from you. God bless.
Donna, I definitely relate to this. Amazingly though, the discipline of writing over the last few years has made quite a difference and I'm far less likely to put things off these days. (But I do still tend to get a bit distracted at times) ;-) With love, Deb
