Memory Verse
"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 9:59- 62
INTRODUCTION
To procrastinate is to put off a required action until a future time. It means to defer or to postpone. Life is full of decisions and time is often of essence in these decisions. Procrastination is, therefore, a character flaw that affects millions of people in every walk of life. While it is regarded as normal for people to procrastinate, it can become a problem that can hinder normal life functioning. It cuts across all areas of life, from accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour to attending to assignments by students and many other areas. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will teach us as we study in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF PROCRASTINATION
2. EFFECTS OF PROCRASTINATION
3. SOLUTION TO PROCRASTINATION
CAUSES OF PROCRASTINATION
People procrastinate because of their' personal convenience - Acts 24:25. This is a major reason people do not give their lives to God immediately they hear the word. Procrastination happens when people are sluggish and show spiritless attitude to the things of God - 2 Chr. 24:45. One other cause of procrastination is laziness - Proverbs 26:13-16; 10:4. When people allow worldly entanglement it could lead to procrastination - Gen. 19:16; Matthew 19:22.
Consideration of family pressure at the expense of God's business could lead to procrastination of God's business - Matthew 8:21; Luke 9:59-62. Elisha ran after Elijah immediately at the expense of family business - 1 Kings 19:20-21. Environmental distraction is another cause of procrastination - Eccl. 11: 4. We can add to this list.
EFFECTS OF PROCRASTINATION
One of the effects of procrastination is loss of fellowship and opportunities Matthew 25:11-12; Luke 13:24-25. Procrastination could cause one to be caught off guard and be met unprepared - Matthew 24:48-51. We could lose souls if we procrastinate in witnessing - Jeremiah 8:20.
SOLUTION TO PROCRASTINATION
Proper planning and constant reminder is a solution to procrastination - Luke 14:28. Priorities should be set right - Ecc. 3:1; Isaiah 56:12; Acts 24:25. Self discipline could help against procrastination. This includes the areas of eating: talking, watching TV, movies, use of telephone and other areas of distraction. It is always better to focus on today and not tomorrow - Matt. 6: 25-31. Always remember that you are here on earth temporarily and let this guide you in your commitment to the work of God - Hab. 2: 3; Matt. 24:48-51.
CONCLUSION
You may procrastinate but time does not. It keeps on moving. Time waits for no man and the lost time can never be regained. Today's duty that is put off till tomorrow usually gives you a double burden to bear. The best way is to do it at the proper time. Christ will come like a thief in the night. Repent now and do not postpone your salvation. Tomorrow might be too late - 2 Corinth: 6:2, Deut. 23:21, Ecc. 5:4, 12:1.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the meaning of procrastination?
2. What are some causes of procrastination?
3. Mention some effects of procrastination.
4. What are the solutions to procrastination?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Genesis 19:16 - Family ties is a major cause of procrastination.
TUESDAY: Acts 24:25 - Immediate decisions are necessary for things of God.
WEDNESDAY: Acts 17:32 - Death is an appointment and resurrection follows, so, act now.
THURSDAY: Luke 9:61 - Every family bond that separates you from God must
FRIDAY: Eccles. 3:1 - Time is of essence to opportunities. It may never be regained.
SATURDAY: 2 Samuel 20:5 - God has His set time and He cannot be late.
SUNDAY: Proverbs 10:4 - Do not allow procrastination to slow you down.
