2. Procrastination Is A Thief Of Time The word “procrastination” comes from the Latin word, “crastinus,” meaning “of tomorrow” –- it literally means, “to put forward until tomorrow.” We all procrastinate occasionally –- the difference being that the person who lacks self-discipline habitually puts things off –- saying, “Sooner or later” (which invariably means later, or more likely never). It’s seldom now, usually then –- seldom today, usually tomorrow –- seldom immediately, usually next week –- seldom this time, usually some time. And anyone who claims that he or she does not occasionally put things off is putting us on! Surely one of Satan’s cleverest wiles is “in a little while.” Have you ever thought about why we put things off? Why do we put off until the last minute getting in that report –- completing that assignment –- filing income tax –- cleaning out the closet –- fixing the leak –- renewing the subscription –- making the call –- writing the letter? Postponement until later of things we should do now is based on four basic conscious or unconscious illusions. (1) The notion that the task is unpleasant, or more unpleasant then it really is, in terms of the effort, cost, or time required. Have you noticed that we seldom procrastinate if the task is pleasurable? Can you imagine a golf enthusiast saying to a Self-Control 105 friend, “I know I haven’t been out on the course all year, but I will go one of these day. I really will. No, I can’t make it Saturday. I have too much to do around the house. Maybe I can the following Saturday. No, guess not. Just remembered that I have to clean out the garage. Look, we’ll get together sometime. I call you. Okay?” (2) A second illusion is that we cannot, or do not wish to, face up to the imagined unpleasantness of the task. Humankind cannot bear very much reality. Part of the unpleasantness may be a fear of failure. To be sure, the task may very well be difficult and unpleasant. But the imagined difficulty is almost always greater than the real. And the difficulty and unpleasantness of many tasks become aggravated because of the postponement. We need to consider the cost of putting things off. For example, if I hear a small noise in my car engine and just ignore it. I’m likely to end up with major damage and a large bill. (3) A third illusion is that by postponing indefinitely, the task will go away so we’ll never have to perform it. It is possible to deceive ourselves with the notion that if we put something out of our minds and don’t think of it, we’re “off the hook.” It’s the old, “What you don’t, know won’t hurt you” syndrome. Such reasoning is nothing less than dangerous escapism. It carries the kind of pathos evoked by the boy who, squatting behind a narrow light pole, thinks he can’t be seen because he can’t see anyone. (4) A fourth illusion is that another time –- any time but the present –- would be better, that is, easier, more convenient. There are some believers who never “buy up” the time to serve the Lord because they’re waiting for a “better” time. –- They use such excuses as: “I’ll start sharing my faith when I finish this Bible study” –- “When I learn a more of The Bible, I’ll get active in church” –- “Just as soon as I get settled in my job, I’ll be available.” We’re always going to get organized –- next week! But, who says next week is to be a next week? The ultimate illusion of procrastination is the presumption that there will be another time, another opportunity. Solomon warned, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Jesus gave a parable of a rich young farmer, teaching this truth –- This farmer thought he had “many years” to live, but God said, “This very night your life will be demanded.” The warning of James is sobering, “Now listen , you who say, `Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year thee, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:13-14). Remember Felix with whom the apostle Paul reasoned of up-righteousness, selfcontrol, and judgment? His procrastinating reaction has a familiar sound, “When I can spare the time. I will send for you” (Acts 24:25 Modern Language Bible). There’s no evidence that a “more convenient time” ever came. Remember, as youngsters when we were in a hurry to go somewhere or do something and someone yelled, “Wait!” –- and we responded with a pun, ”Wight broke the wagon!” Of course, it was a different kind of “wait.” However, “wait” can break your wagon. Self-Control 106 Are you going to procrastinate improving your self-discipline? If not now, when? If not here, then where? If not this, than what? If not this way, then which? If not, why not?
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:06:26 +0000
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