THE DANGER OF DELAY (Part 1) By Tunde Olugboji
This week we’ll start a series exploring the Biblical instructions around what someone described as ‘The Sin of Someday,’ otherwise known as procrastination.
Procrastination is the deliberate postponement of something that should be done. For some people, it is an occasional weakness; for others, it becomes a way of life. We keep saying, “I will do it tomorrow. I will deal with it later. I will start when the time is right.” But while the word procrastination does not appear in Scripture, the Bible repeatedly warns us about the danger of unnecessary delay.
Sometimes procrastination is simply a form of laziness. Scripture consistently commends diligence and warns against slothfulness. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” Proverbs 13:4 adds, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
For the believer, diligence should have an even deeper motivation. Paul writes: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23
In other words, our work is ultimately an act of worship. Whether the task is large or small, exciting or mundane, visible or unnoticed, we should approach it as something done for God. When you begin to see your responsibilities as service to the Lord, there is less room for endless postponement. But procrastination becomes even more serious when we delay things that Scripture tells us should be dealt with now.
Some Things Should Not Be Postponed:
Jesus teaches us that reconciliation is one of them. In Matthew 5:23–24, He says that if you come to the altar and remember that someone has something against you, you should first go and be reconciled. He continues in verse 25: “Agree with your adversary quickly.” Notice the urgency: quickly.
Likewise, Paul admonishes us: “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
There are some matters that become more dangerous the longer we leave them unattended. An unresolved offense can become bitterness. Bitterness can become resentment. Resentment can become division. And what could have been resolved today becomes much harder tomorrow.
Sometimes delay is not wisdom, it simply gives the enemy more room to work. If an apology needs to be made, make it. If forgiveness needs to be extended, extend it. If a difficult conversation needs to take place, prayerfully have it. There are moments when obedience means refusing to keep saying, “Later.”
Do Not Procrastinate About Your Assignment
There is also urgency concerning the work God has given us to do. Jesus communicated this urgency in the parable of the great banquet. When the invited guests refused to come, the master told his servant: “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city…” Luke 14:21 Again, notice the word: quickly.
The gospel carries urgency because people matter and time matters. There is someone you have been meaning to invite to church. Someone you have been meaning to share your testimony with someone God has placed on your heart to encourage. Someone you have been saying you will call. Some ministry you have been saying you will begin. Some gift you have been saying you will use “one day.” But one of the enemy’s most effective words is not necessarily “No.” Sometimes it is simply: “Later.” Because if he cannot persuade you to disobey completely, he may try to persuade you to postpone obedience indefinitely. And delayed obedience can eventually become disobedience.
To be continued.
Have a good week.
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