What Are You Waiting For?

 Procrastination. Putting off till tomorrow what you ought to do today. We say we will get that chore done, we commit to make it to the gym, we determine we will fulfill that promise, but we don’t—at least not now. We know we should. We know it’s best for us to follow through. Yet, we procrastinate. And when asked what are you waiting for, we don’t necessarily even know why. 

Does that describe you at all? I know at times, it describes me. After all, there are plenty of things I’d rather not do or things I think I have plenty of time to get done, so I put them off—e.g. trim the bushes, call about that bill, buy that card, and so much more. One night recently, for example, I knew I needed to put the garbage cans to the street before I went to bed.  But I thought to myself, “I’ll have plenty of time to do it in the morning.” After all, I didn’t want to have to go outside and lug the cans to the street in the dark. For sure, I would get it done in the morning.  But wouldn’t you know, that next morning the truck came by earlier than usual! The result was, I had to wait three or four more days for my garbage to be picked up.

That’s what happens when we procrastinate. We miss opportunities, timelines, and deadlines. Life begins to pass us by because we didn’t make that call, apply for that job, help that neighbor, initiate that relationship, etc. Worst of all, we miss out on the very things God would have us do and accomplish with our lives. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity...” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV) And, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10

Paul’s point is, God gives to us points in time that ought to be taken advantage of. They are points in time to do something important and even significant within the kingdom of God and for our world. Throughout our lives, we all receive incredible God-given opportunities. But it is up to take hold of them, make proper use of them, and make the most of them, before they pass—before, we might say, it is too late. The Apostle would call this, living wisely. 

So, let me ask you: Have you been procrastinating? Are you allowing your God-given opportunities to pass you by? If so, I ask you, what are you waiting for? Maybe better, ask yourself, what am I waiting for? 

Let’s determine to not procrastinate…and do it NOW! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris