What Makes Self-improvement Challenging?

Novelist Patrick White penned these words, “Few people take easily to a plan of self-improvement.” We will discover procrastination attempting to dislodge our commitment to accomplish what we know needs to be done. Self-improvement is an easy target for procrastination.

So many individuals in their thirties and forties discover they’re no longer satisfied with their work or career. It fails to provide the joy and fulfillment of earlier days. Because they are fearful of new challenges or even failure, self-improvement opportunities are delayed.

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come into the world to save perfect people. He came because all people are imperfect and blemished. Nor does he expect you to be perfect after you have been redeemed. God wants you to be in the process of maturing, to trust him for faith to stretch the limits of who you are. You don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God or for the Holy Spirit’s power to help you mature. 

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We receive from him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight [seeking habitually to follow his plan for us]. This is his commandment, that we believe [with personal faith and confident trust] in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and [that we unselfishly] love and seek what is best for one another, just as he commanded us. 

~1 John 3:22-23  Amplified Bible

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How Is Procrastination Outside of God's Perfect Will?

Overcoming procrastination takes determination. It also requires believing in your heart that absolute perfection is not required. The true perfectionist falsely believes he or she will be judged harshly by oneself or others if whatever needs to be done isn’t done perfectly.

The procrastinator tends to be in conflict at some level with family, friends, or fellow employees. This often leads to delays in completing a given task. The procrastinator will predictably lead a life of dissatisfaction and underachievement.

It is difficult to change, so it’s imperative to believe it is God’s will to do so. 

God is the giver of hope and strength to put into action what he intends for you to do. Let God’s word from Hosea 10:12 speak to you: “It’s time for you to turn to the Lord and he will come and pour blessings upon you.” By believing God’s words, you can defeat procrastination.  

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

~Galatians 6:9 New International Version

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What Is Needed to Repair Broken Promises?

Are you putting into practice the changes you promised to make so you would be free from all guilt and shame for delaying to complete a task? You may be someone who has learned the art of procrastination, meaning you put off until later what could be done now.

The procrastinator wants to wait until everything is perfect to begin a task. If you’re a perfectionist who needs everything to be predictable, that expectation may be out of bounds.

Have you made promises to God and others but failed to keep your promise?

Deuteronomy 23:21 has this to say about forsaking promises: “When you make a vow to the Lord, be prompt in doing whatever you promised; it’s a sin not to.” One step in overcoming procrastination is to promptly do whatever you promise. It doesn’t have to be done perfectly. Pray for strength of character to do it.

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We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.

~Hebrews 12:11 God’s Word Translation

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What Is Difficult about Confronting Procrastination?

A wise person made this observation, “The best time to do something worthwhile is between yesterday and tomorrow. What that leaves is today.” The procrastinator will invent reasons to delay. Proverbs 27:1 warns us not to “boast about tomorrow, for we know not what tomorrow will bring.”

What causes a person to procrastinate? John Peck, the author of The Road Less Traveled, says he avoids trying to repair something because he’s afraid he will mess it up. He asked a neighbor who was repairing his lawn mower how he knew what to do. The man replied, “Well, I try to fix things and I’m usually successful.”

Confronting procrastination involves a commitment to deliberately make a concentrated effort to move forward on a task rather than choosing to delay. Remember, God is there to help and encourage you. He provides understanding, insight, and wisdom for completing a given task.    

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Work hard and [you will] be a leader; be lazy and[ you will] never succeed.  

~Proverbs 12:24 The Living Bible

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How Can the Tendency to Procrastinate Be Overcome?

You may have seen the cartoon strip where a person is asking a friend, “Would you like to join the procrastinator’s club?” The friend replied, “Catch me next year, OK?” Putting off indefinitely is the typical procrastinator’s attitude. Good intentions do not compensate for the tendency to delay.

God’s word in 2 Timothy 2:15 faces off with the tendency to procrastinate. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who feels no shame when he is examined.” This means doing the right thing now instead of putting it off.

This may mean committing to being a more productive employee or living up to your potential as a student or changing the way you behave as a parent or spouse. Taking actions on what you know to do now will help you live without regret. Change is challenging, but with God’s help all things are possible.  

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Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord.

~Colossians 3:23 Amplified Bible

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Can Procrastination Be Overcome?

Procrastination! We hate the tendency in ourselves to procrastinate. Apparently, procrastination is a big problem for lots of people. When we procrastinate, we tend to get bogged down in passivity, so procrastinating steals away our time.

What commitment or goals are you ignoring because you feel inadequate or ill-equipped for a task?  Listen to Ephesians 5:15-16 for becoming the person God intended. “Be careful how your live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

God promises to help those who take responsibility to do what is right. The first step is realizing and accepting the fact that you must have God’s help to be successful. 2 Corinthians 6:2 is clear-cut: “Now is the time of God’s favor; now is the day of salvation.” Ask Jesus for help so you can achieve what he intends for you to be and do.           

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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.

~Colossians 3:23 New International Version

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What Incentive Is Prompting You to Change?

New beginnings are often a matter of choice so if you could make a new start in your life, what would be your choice? Feeling trapped by circumstances could initially be perceived as a barrier, but this can actually be the incentive for making a change.

Early in Jesus’ ministry he saw Matthew sitting in a tax collector’s booth doing work most people despised. In Matthew 9:9 Jesus issued Matthew a summons, “Follow me,” and Matthew made a choice that changed his life. Evidently Matthew was ready for a change, and this could be you.

God’s word gives us a formula for feeling confident when change is necessary. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things will be given to you.” This basic step is supported by Jesus in Matthew 7:7. “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door shall be opened for you.” Are you prepared?

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Turn to the Lord! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near.

~Isaiah 55:6 Contemporary English Version

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Can Old Behavioral Patterns Be Changed?

“I long for a new beginning in my life because I’ve made too many bad choices. I went with the flow of life so many times, knowing it wasn’t right for me. I seem to be following the same patterns. Is there hope for change?”

We’re all subject to making regrettable choices, as this person exemplifies. Yet it’s facing and living with the consequences that produce sadness and depression. Is it possible to change basic patterns of life that haunt you like a bad dream?

Proverbs 2:3-5 suggests “if you will cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding, if you will seek wisdom and search for it as a hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Did you hear those ifs? “If you cry out... if you lift up your voice... if you seek.” Humble yourself because fear of the Lord breaks old patterns of behavior. 

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“Fear God and give him glory…  Worship and honor God! ... Kneel down before the one who created heaven and earth.” 

~Revelation 14:7 New International Version/Contemporary English Version

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Which of God's Promises Are More Important to You?

“So many unfortunate things happened to me last year, and it’s hard to believe the rapid sequence in which they occurred!” These words came from a positive, energetic believer who is a person of faith. The parade of troubles pushed to the breaking point the person's ability to cope.

When troubles permeate your life, it’s important to believe that God is not necessarily singling you out for punishment. God is not responsible for bringing every bad and painful experience into your life. It may be the result of impulsive choices that would now be judged as inadvisable.

Philippians 2:13 is God’s promise to you: “It is God who works in you, helping you to want to obey him and then helping you to do what is required.” Keep in mind that “all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to his purposes.” With this attitude, better choices are possible, so praise God for being active in your life.  

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When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obeyed my Father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.

~John 15:10-11 The Living Bible

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What Helps Us Remain Steadfast in our Faith?

It’s never been easy to keep a healthy perspective on true and lasting values. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 tells us Martha was upset by all the preparations for meals she planned for Jesus and his disciples, who were guests in their home.

Martha became angry with Mary for listening to what Jesus was teaching rather than helping out in the kitchen. Jesus gently explained to Martha that Mary had chosen the right thing to do at that moment. For Mary, what Jesus was teaching superseded kitchen duties.

Have you allowed yourself to get so caught up with activities that you neglect your relationship with Jesus? Perhaps Jesus is telling you to take an inventory of your lifestyle. Are you out of sync with what truly counts in your relationship with Christ Jesus and your family? Jesus tells you to lay up your treasures in heaven so they’ll remain incorruptible.

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Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. 

~John 15:4 The Living Bible

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What Makes Jesus' Narrow Gate So Difficult?

How committed are you to becoming the person you know you’re capable of becoming at this moment? Here’s how to do your part. Guard against a negative or pessimistic attitude that’s so discouraging. Jesus points to the narrow way, which guards against discouragement.

David in Psalm 119: 71 said, “When you corrected me, O Lord, it was good for me because it taught me to listen and apply your word to my life.” What is God teaching you and where is he leading you today?

Tragedy befalls each person, but for those who trust in the Lord Jesus, there is hope for help and healing. The worst thing life dishes out will ultimately produce good for those who love God. Listen to his word: “Trust in the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Don’t give in to worry or anger. God will take care of you, so wait patiently for him to provide what you need. 

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Jesus replied, “…I will only reveal myself to those who love me and obey me. The Father will love them too, and we will come to them and live with them.”

~John 14: 23 The Living Bible

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Is It Possible to Change a Pessimistic Attitude?

Are you wishing for a new beginning is some area of your life? While it’s true there are routines that must be followed, each day can bring a sense of newness by permitting yourself to expect it. But what barriers must be hurtled in order to experience the freshness of a new beginning?

One barrier that affects countless individuals is the attitude that life cannot be different. That mindset defines being stuck or trapped with no way to change. Pessimism clouds the mind with distrust and doubt and robs the heart of the joy God intends for you to experience.

Let Psalm 118:24 give you hope for a new beginning. “This is the day Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Say these words until they become true for you. Another way to attack a pessimistic attitude is to “praise God from whom all blessings flow.” God’s word will transform your disposition into a joyful outlook for your life.

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[Your beauty] should be the inner disposition of the heart, consisting in the imperishable quality of a gentle and kind spirit, which God values greatly.

~1 Peter 3:4 International Standard Version

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What Attitude Is Required for Winning with God?

Each day, world news broadcasts the struggle of people seeking their independence from a government that has diminished their freedom. Most people stand ready to encourage those who defend their freedom. We have admiration for all who are brave enough to protect what is good and right.

Change is part of God’s plan, even when it comes so fast that it’s hard to keep up. To make it personal, what do you sense needs to change in your life? Perhaps you have a ready answer and resolutions because God consistently creates in you the desire to change what is not good or right.

Jacob in Genesis 32 wrestled with God throughout a long night. Jacob knew he was ill-equipped for what he must do without God’s blessings and transforming power. In verse 26 Jacob insists, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Can you position yourself before God as Jacob did?

         

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Therefore if anyone is in Christ Jesus, a new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version

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