After the false alarm regarding a brain disease a radiologist said I had, which a neurologist later said I don’t have, I thought a lot about the brevity of life. And how much time I waste.
I don’t like to think I’m lazy. After all, I’m a hard worker. Yet sometimes laziness and I kick back and relax—like old pals. Sometimes we hang out for days at a time, going on adventures by watching TV, devouring a novel, or sitting in my office reading the news. During these adventures I’m putting off something important.
I’ve noticed many people squirm when the subject of procrastination comes up. I suspect it’s because we all procrastinate. We sometimes accomplish things we enjoy, and avoid things we don’t enjoy. Some of these delayed activities may require discipline—like working out, losing weight, or replacing a bad habit with a good one.
I can’t imagine Jesus hanging out with Laziness. I know he associated with tax gatherers and sinners. But there’s no way he allowed the time-thief, Procrastination, to erode his incentive or steal strategic opportunities God prepared in advance for him to complete.
Though I’m sure Jesus relaxed and recharged his emotional batteries, I’m convinced he never put off until the next day what needed immediate doing. Nor did he delay difficult tasks, or dealing with difficult people, because he had other, less important but more enjoyable activities.
The night before his crucifixion, Jesus told his Father, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). I’d like to truthfully say that at the end of my life. Heck, I’d like to say it at the end of today.
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