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Topic: Procrastination
Are you guilty of being a procrastinator? If so, it could cost you your
life.
An incident from the American Revolution illustrates what tragedy
can result from procrastination. It is reported that Colonel Rahl,
commander of the British troops at Trenton, New Jersey, was playing
cards when a courier brought an urgent message stating that General
George Washington was crossing the Delaware River. Rahl put the letter
in his pocket and didn't bother to read it until the game finished.
Then, realizing the seriousness of the situation, he hurriedly tried to
rally his men to meet the coming attack, but his procrastination was his
undoing. He and many of his men were killed, and the rest of the
regiment were captured. Nolbert Quayle said, "Only a few minutes' delay
cost him his life, his honor, and the liberty of his soldiers.
The book of James states that we should not wait to get busy in doing
the things that God has revealed to us in his will. To often, we
procrastinate in making necessary phone calls, answering correspondence,
and seizing the moment in taking the time to minister to those in
need. It is not wrong to make plans for the future, while at the same
time we should not expect that we will have the same opportunities of
today if we allow them to pass us by. Many people still regret the
missed opportunities that have come through procrastination.
Very rarely do we procrastinate in doing the things that we enjoy.
Procrastination is usually tied in with taking care of certain tasks
that are usually boring or difficult. Why do we fail to make phone
calls to prospects and people that we do not know? Because it is
difficult, and we face the fear of the unknown and possible rejection.
At the same time, we must not wait until tomorrow to do the things that
we know that God wants us to do.
Some ways to overcome procrastination:
. Make a list. Do the hardest and less desirable things first.
. Look for the positive experiences that can come from our labors.
. Do not overload your expectations and calendar.
.Find ways to delegate the things you do not like doing to someone
else, and trade with a person the tasks that they do not like doing
that you enjoy.
. Pray for wisdom to do the most important things in a timely manner.
Procrastination can be overcome through the direction and power of the
Holy Spirit. Make plans to accomplish something great today!
(Inspirational submitted by: Ralph M. Nygard)