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 Prevents Procrastination from Becoming a Habit?

The word ‘procrastination’ is disliked by procrastinators because of its negative connotations. The procrastinator’s motto is, “Put off until tomorrow what needs to be done today.” Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanac, “Tomorrow, every Fault is to be amended; but that Tomorrow never comes.”

While postponements may be the first choice, unrestricted delays contribute to procrastination’s becoming a habit. However, postponements are necessary if, for example, purchasing an expensive item would wreck personal finances. Postponing a career to have a family can be fulfilling for a woman who is in a position to do.

Yet, neglecting to make an important decision because of this habit can create repercussions that may continue indefinitely. So let today be the day of deliverance by coming “near to God and he will come near to you.” Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart at this moment, so go ahead and open it.   

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Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do.

~Proverbs 6:4 New Living Translation

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