By GARY ANDREWS
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Over the years I have been a procrastinator and in many opportunities I still am. This is not something that I planned on doing but I have been in situations, that doesn’t require a solution immediately, and put off until tomorrow what I could have just as easily done today. The problems I have with some people are that they are just like me.
I have witnessed firsthand missed opportunities, missed deadlines, inaccurate reports, plus more, because of no self-discipline on my part or maybe someone that worked with me. There are many people like me who waits to the last minute to finish a task which they have known about for several days. It seems it takes a sense of urgency for them to accomplish what needs to be done and usually it comes a time when an extension is asked for because of lack of self-discipline.
In my mind I feel I can do just about anything I set out to do. The problem is lack of proper planning, making time for the project, and a desire to finish what I feel I can do. Many times I will start something and then when I realize I may not want to continue, I set the project aside and when this happens it remains unfinished for a long time or is never completed.
All of us have some form of procrastination in our life, however the ones that are really self-disciplined are the ones that are going to move forward quicker. All of us have to realize that the path to commitment is making up your mind and plan to succeed.
This is true when it comes to Bible study and Worship attendance. There are many that say I am going to start reading my Bible tomorrow and tomorrow never arrives. Many of us have dropped out of church because it so easy to stay home and watch television, go to family or social outings, fish, hunt, or just about any excuse will do. Then when we are asked about not following through we go through a period of anxiety, maybe self-denial, or just get mad.
Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves disciplines loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” How does this verse fit you?
We need to realize that self-discipline begins with doing the small things daily. We need to use our free time constructively and productively. You will always find the secret behind most success stories is discipline. Whatever we do in life we need to dedicate ourselves to that cause unless God changes our heart.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for each and every day that you give me on this earth. I pray that I will discipline myself to see your will and follow your lead. Amen.
Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday – Philippians 4:13; Monday – Titus 3:1-8; Tuesday – Numbers 23:19-20; Wednesday – Deuteronomy 20:5-9; Thursday – 1Timothy 6:11-19; Friday – Isaiah 3:10-11; Saturday – Ezekiel 18:24-27.)
Gary Andrews is the author of Encouraging Words: 30-days in God’s Word. To obtain a copy go to his website www.gadevotionals.com.