Time

Procrastination: The Thief of Purpose

How often do we find ourselves caught in the web of procrastination, pushing off tasks that weigh on our minds? This delay isn't just about missed deadlines or unfinished chores; it's a spiritual battle that robs us of our God-given purpose. The stress that gnaws at us isn't from the work itself, but from our inaction in the face of responsibility. Consider how swiftly our anxiety dissipates when we finally take that first step, make that call, or begin that project we've been avoiding. It's as if a burden lifts from our shoulders. This isn't coincidence; it's a reminder of our calling to be good stewards of our time and talents. The Bible speaks clearly about the dangers of procrastination. Proverbs 13:4 tells us, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." The Lord has gifted us with abilities and opportunities, not to be squandered, but to be used for His glory and the benefit of others. Take the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. The servants who invested their master's money were praised, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked. Are we not doing the same when we procrastinate, burying our potential out of fear or laziness? Let's break free from the cycle of delay. As James 4:17 reminds us, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." Each day is a gift, an opportunity to serve, to grow, to make a difference. Don't let procrastination steal another moment of your God-given purpose.

Finite: The Urgency of Now

Imagine your life laid out before you - a grid of squares, each representing a week from your first breath to your last. It's a sobering sight, isn't it (See Graphic below)? From our first wobbly steps to our final earthly moments, we're given roughly 4,680 weeks - if we're blessed to reach 90 years. It sounds like a lot until you realize how swiftly each week passes. This isn't meant to instill fear, but to awaken us to the preciousness of each moment. In Psalm 90:12 it says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This is a call to live with purpose and to make each day count. Think about it - how quickly did last week fly by? Now multiply that by the weeks you have left. It's a stark reminder that our time on earth is but a vapor, as James 4:14 says, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This realization should spur us to action. We're not guaranteed tomorrow, so why do we often live as if we have all the time in the world? Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts us, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Let this truth sink deep into your soul - your life is finite, but your impact can be eternal. How will you fill the squares of your life? Will you look back with regret or with the satisfaction of a life well-lived for Christ?

Forever: The Eternal Perspective

While our earthly lives are fleeting, we are created for eternity. This is the great hope and beauty of the truth in Him — that through Christ, we have the promise of forever with the Lord. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16. Heaven isn't just a distant concept; it's a vivid reality described in Scripture. Revelation paints a picture of unending worship, where multitudes gather before the throne of God. It’s a place where "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" — Revelation 21:4. Streets of gold, gates of pearl, and the river of life flowing from God's throne - these images give us a glimpse of the glory that awaits. Yet, we must also soberly consider the alternative. Jesus spoke of hell more than anyone else in Scripture, describing it as a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42). The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 gives us a chilling picture of the finality of our choices. The rich man, in torment, begs for a drop of water and for someone to warn his brothers. But Abraham's response is clear - if they don't listen to God's Word now, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead. This eternal perspective should infuse every moment of our lives with urgency and purpose. We're not just living for today; we're living for forever. Every choice, every action, every word has eternal significance. Make it count.

The Call to Wise Living

In light of eternity, how then shall we live? In Ephesians 5:15-16 it says, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This call to wise living isn't about perfection, it's about aligning our finite days with God's eternal purposes. It means seeking first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), loving others as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and sharing the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Remember, we are the sum of our choices. Each decision, no matter how small, is shaping our character and our eternal destiny. Are we choosing to invest our time in things that will last, or are we squandering it on fleeting pleasures? Let's commit to living each day with eternity in mind. Let's break free from the chains of procrastination, embrace the urgency of our finite existence, and live in the light of our eternal calling. For in doing so, we not only honor God but also find the abundant life He promises — a life filled with purpose, joy, and lasting impact.

In Him,

Tim and Will