The Snare of Procrastination
Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. Proverbs 6:4 (New Living Translation, NLT)
We’ve all been tempted to put off something- usually a task that we think will be unpleasant. And many times, we have probably given in to that temptation. And what happens? The situation may get worse, or it hangs over our heads, ruining our peace of mind. This is an age-old tactic of the devil.
Procrastination and fear are intertwined, woven together in an endless cycle. Fear prompts us to procrastinate. And then procrastination brings in more fear. If we dread doing something, that is fear. And if we allow that dread to remain and delay us from doing what we should when we should, it produces fear. The fear it brings is fear of what will happen since we aren’t doing what we should- and the increased fear and dread of the task itself. It is always in the back of our minds, stealing our peace. And that is exaclty what the enemy wants to do.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. II Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Bible, AMP)
We have been delivered from the spirit of fear. And when we allow fear to come in and delay us from doing something, we have given the enemy access to steal our peace. Notice in II Timothy 1:7, it speaks of a spirit of discipline. When we use discipline to stand against fear and do what we should right away, we maintain our peace and a sound, calm mind.
Where God's love is, there is no fear. God's perfect love takes away fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear. Anyone who has fear does not have perfect love. I John 4:18 (Worldwide English, WE)
When we trust God’s love, we won’t fear. And when we won’t fear, we won’t procrastinate. What have you been putting off? Whether it’s just a sink full of dirty dishes or cleaning up some really bad habits, don’t put it off. When the devil tempts you to procrastinate, tell him to take a hike. And then do what you know you should. Trust me, you’ll feel so much better when you do.
