Pastor Lawson Perdue

If you’ve wondered what the Bible says about procrastination, I will share steps to live with intent. Living with intent drives us to accomplish our God-given purpose, but procrastination willfully delays or puts off necessary tasks. The word “procrastination” does not appear in the Bible; however, the Bible addresses the similarly negative traits of laziness, slothfulness, or being sluggish. Additionally, the Bible emphasizes the opposite of procrastination: diligence in our work ethic and the importance of self-discipline or self-control.

The Bible warns against laziness, “The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway” (Proverbs 15:19). Contrast laziness with what the Bible says about diligent workers, “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24) and “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4). These verses show the strong contrast between hard workers and those who resist or put off work. I’ve seen that exact contrast in my own life. I learned at a young age that I liked to be on a team that worked hard and won in sports. I’m glad that starting in the 5th grade, I practiced my flute for hours when others were having fun. My hard work paid off during my first year in college when I won a prestigious award that first-year music students had never won. I’m teaching my children to use self-control and not procrastinate because I know if they do their work, they will succeed in life.

Putting off a job that needs completion or procrastinating on studying for a test are bad habits. The Bible illustrates the dangers of procrastination by showing the consequences of laziness: poverty strikes (Proverbs 6:11), one suffers hunger (Proverbs 19:15), people end up begging (Proverbs 20:4), and buildings decay and leak (Ecclesiastes 10:18). Is procrastination a sin? Although the Bible does not explicitly label procrastination as a sin, it can be considered a sin of omission according to James 4:17, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

What is the difference between waiting on God and procrastinating? When someone seeks God’s answer, they wait to hear from Him. Although wise, this strategy can quickly lead to procrastination and missed opportunities. The Bible frequently instructs us to “wait on the Lord.”

However, envisioning waiting on God should not involve taking a nap, hoping the answer appears upon waking. Waiting on God means trusting that God will fulfill His promises. As we await the Lord’s response, we can actively pursue His guidance by reading God’s Word, spending time in prayer and listening for His voice, praying in tongues, declaring His truths and promises over our circumstances, and praising God. We don’t work to earn anything; we rest in what God has already accomplished and what He promises to do—that’s how to wait on the Lord.

How do Christian teachings address procrastination? Probably the best answer is found in Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” We must look at each task throughout the day as an opportunity to bring glory to God’s name by doing an excellent job. When someone procrastinates and hastily does a job at the last moment, that doesn’t show qualities of excellence or praiseworthiness.

I don’t know about you, but I want to live with intent, and that means living a powerful life for God. I have one life to live and want to make it count. I want to do everything that God has given me to do on this earth, and I want to do it with excellence. As believers, we have some important work to do before Jesus returns. Mark 16:15 says, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Jesus gave this job for believers to do, and I’m not going to procrastinate telling people about Jesus. I’m not going to procrastinate inviting a neighbor to church. I want everyone to hear the Gospel and know Jesus as their Savior!

Don’t procrastinate seeking a relationship with Jesus. We’d love to discuss how you can receive the gift of salvation. You can call and pray with someone at 719-418-4000 or visit us online on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Please check out our website and listen to sermons on our website: charischristiancenter.com.