Causes of Procrastination

How many of us read the Bible, then put what we read into place right away? Not many! Most of us read what we're supposed to do, then think about it for a few days, then plan how we're going to do it, then try to live our lives accordingly. The problem is, there will be a thousand distractions between the time we read what to do, and the time that we are going to start doing it. This lapse in time decreases the chances of us really making a positive change. What we need to do is to just get started NOW.

Psalm 119:97-104

Ever wonder why you don't make that crucial decision in your life? Or what keeps you from following through on chores at home or projects at work? The most common excuse for procrastinating is, “I’m too busy right now.” The real reasons for repeated delays come not from an outside source but from our own thinking. Procrastination occurs when we want to avoid discomfort or self-doubt.

Let’s consider two areas where Christians commonly procrastinate. The first is Scripture reading. For some of us, uncertainty about where to begin or what method to follow can make us feel inadequate. To avoid this uncomfortable emotion, we may stop trying to figure it out. Or, if we do meditate on a Bible passage, the Holy Spirit might point out ungodly attitudes and behaviors in our lives that the Lord wants to change. Then emotions of embarrassment, inadequacy, or shame can surface. To get rid of such uneasy feelings, we simply stop reading.

Avoidance is also too common a practice in the area of tithing. Giving generously to God usually means cutting back on some areas of spending. That can make us feel insecure because we think, How will I live without ___? Most of us wish we had more disposable income, not less; so our mind plays a little trick and tells us, It will be easier to do it next week. But seven days later, it is the same story.

Think about the things you’ve been putting off. Ask yourself, How competent do I feel to do those jobs? and What negative emotions do I feel in connection with them? Then pray for God to direct you.

Praying that we all take action sooner,
Pastor Mike


I'm a Boy Baby!

In the maternity ward of a hospital, new-born girl baby looks over at new-born boy baby and asks, "Are you a girl baby or a boy baby?"
The boy baby quickly chirps up, "I'm a boy baby!"

"How can you tell?" asks girl baby.

"Easy," says boy baby. And, with that, he threw off the blankets, hoisted up his itty-bitty night-shirt and proudly pointed downward. "See.....blue booties"