Can You Refrain from Procrastinating?

Edward Young, the English poet and playwright, advised his readers that “Being wise today is madness deferred.” Seemingly, there’s always a better time for the procrastinator to begin a task. To defer means, delay doing whatever until later. Edward Young says it’s foolish to defer what you can do now.

Do you know why it’s foolish? A college freshman had to face the consequences of delaying writing term papers and studying for exams. He was busy enjoying a new-found social life. Opportunities and blessings go by the wayside by deferring responsibilities.

Only when he ceased blaming others and confessed to his irresponsibility one year later did he become a successful student. The words from the  prophet Ezra are relevant today: “Confess to the Lord and do what pleases him.” It pleases God for you to be wise and refrain from procrastinating. So be thankful for that opportunity.  

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He who troubles his household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.

~Proverbs 11:29-30 Revised Standard Version

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What Gives Indifference Its Power?

What inspires an emotional state of indifference to settle in and become permanent? It could be a relationship that has lost its appeal. People are perceptive enough to know that a relationship is in trouble and insightful enough to correct problems before a crisis becomes full-blown. Procrastination, however, prevents corrective action from being taken.

A college student realized his marriage was in trouble. The university’s counseling center offered free counseling, but he just couldn’t make the call. He was too ashamed to admit his marriage was a failure. As time progressed, indifference to his wife ended what had begun with so much promise.

Consider some “what if’s”. What if they had not permitted procrastination to evolve into indifference? What if they had permitted God to help them repent of procrastination and indifference and to forgive each other’s neglect? God is willing to give you a clean heart and a fresh start when you reach out to him in faith. Why not do that now?  

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Now then, confess your sins to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what pleases him.

~Ezra 10:11 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.