How to overcome Procrastin....

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com 

 

I spoke in a boys prison… these were boys who didn’t just steal a car or beat up someone or rob someone. These were boys who murdered, raped and bombed people. A few different people got up to speak to them before me… none had very little success in getting them to listen… I was praying God what should I say. And he gave me these words… You are not here because you are tough kids, you are not here because you did bad things, stupid things or dumb things… you are here because you did the easy thing. You all think you are all so bad and tough… but you all sit here in the prison because you chose the EASY way…. 

 

What is the easy way? Well it comes in many forms… one form is going along with the crowd, falling into peer pressure. Those boys could have done the hard thing… study, go to school, got a job…but they chose the easy things… steal, murder, rape, kill… anyone can do that. One of the other easy things we all do is procrastinate. 

While the Bible doesn't use the specific word "procrastination," it strongly addresses the concepts of diligence, idleness, slothfulness, and the wise use of time. These teachings offer clear guidance on how to avoid delaying important tasks and responsibilities.

Here are some key themes and verses related to procrastination:

1. Condemnation of Sloth and Laziness:

The book of Proverbs, in particular, has a lot to say about the "sluggard" or lazy person, and the negative consequences of their inaction.

• Proverbs 6:6-11: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." (This is a vivid picture of the consequences of delaying necessary work.)

Scripture points out an amazing insight… you can learn from anyone or anything that practices hard work? You can see it in an ant, a beaver, a Female bald eagle, a Mother who is 8 months pregnant, a start up business owner, a young kid trying to make the team. Point is- what are you focusing on. If you focus on what you don’t want to do… you won’t do it. If you focus on what you need to do and how you see others tackling the same daily grind, it can help push you into that first step. 

• Proverbs 10:4: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
• Proverbs 12:24: "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor."
• Proverbs 20:4: "Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”

Right now You are either eating what you planted or starving from what you did not plant. If you practice your seasons you always have something to eat - even in the winter. But there are seasons that are made for growth, planting, investing. I used to sleep only 4 hours a day from my 20’s through my early 40’s… I had energy for days… but I can’t say I always used it for the best. 

• Proverbs 24:30-34: Describes the ruin of a lazy person's field and house, emphasizing how "a little sleep, a little slumber, a a little folding of the hands to rest" leads to poverty.

Again the point here is not a few days and life falls apart, it is stating a few days and all of a sudden a habit is formed, then a lifestyle and then a culture and finally a destiny… its not worth it. 

2. Emphasis on Diligence and Hard Work:

The Bible consistently promotes diligence, industry, and working with all your might.

 

• Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (This verse provides a strong motivation: doing your best for God's glory.)

What does a person who procrastinates really need? Motivation. A father is trying to get his son to mow the lawn. He keeps nagging at him and finally the wife ways to her husband I will get him to mow the lawn… good luck the father cackles… but when the father comes home from work that night his son is feverishly mowing the lawn… he walks in and asks his wife… how did you get him to mow the lawn- I tried everything. Simple she said “he has a date tonight and I told him I lost the keys in the laws today chasing the dog”. 

YEP motivation comes in all forms… what you need is simply something that is motivating… and it starts by asking God why should I take this on - Now thats working for the Lord. 

3. The Importance of Timeliness and Seizing Opportunity:

Several passages highlight the fleeting nature of time and the importance of acting when the opportunity arises.

• Ecclesiastes 11:4: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (This speaks to paralysis by analysis or waiting for perfect conditions.)

You know what the say… when is the best time to plant a tree? A hundred years ago. The second best time is today. Invest money today. Look for a new job today? Tell someone about Jesus Today. Tell your kids you love them today. Plan a family vacation today. Go join the gym today. Rate my podcast today… sorry a shameless plug.

One thing the Bible is clear on is not living by feelings… so if you are waiting for the procrastination to leave… it won’t. You have to create your own feelings by what you believe in scripture and what you tell yourself. Motivation starts first with what you tell yourself… and in time you will believe it and act on it.