The Sin of Procrastination

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1 ESV).

When I was learning the Spanish language, I was told a joke. Seems that there were some workers who were asked to do a certain task and they would always answer “manana” (which is assumed to mean, tomorrow). Each day such a conversation would take place until finally one asked, “I thought “manana” meant “tomorrow.” To which the individual replied, “No, it simply means ‘not today.'” Sadly, such is the attitude of many.

Procrastination is the act of putting something off until a later time. There is an old proverb, “Never put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today.” The procrastinator turns that saying on its head in a weak effort to be amusing and says, “Never do today what you can put off ’til tomorrow.” People in our society procrastinate often. We may put off appointments with our physician. We may put off meetings at work to a later day or time. We may opt for exercising a day later or put off going to the store until tomorrow. Certainly we’ve all done such things at one time or another in our life, and so much as such things have no eternal significance on the state of our souls, it is more or less unimportant. Let us be clear, however, that while it is one thing to procrastinate with the business of this world which may be eternally inconsequential, it is quite another thing to procrastinate with the business of the Lord where there are eternal consequences.

It is funny (in a sad way), however, how many will get priorities confused. Many understand the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to matters of money. They will get their bills paid on time and in the mail. They will not be negligent to transfer money out of stocks and into bonds before the market changes. They will go to the gas station at midnight if it will save a few cents on the gallon before the price increases the next day. Funny (!?) how we see the importance of not procrastinating when it affects our pocketbooks! How much more important are our souls and the souls of those around us? Such actions expose our true priorities and will leave us without excuse in the judgment.

In the scriptures we find several procrastinators. There was a young man who told Jesus he would follow Him, only he first needed to tend to family matters (Matthew 8:21, Luke 9:59-62). There are those who will procrastinate doing good because of their lack of faith in the second coming (Matthew 24:48-51). Perhaps the quintessential example, however, is that of Felix, who said in response to Paul’s preaching, “Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me” (Acts 24:25). J.W. McGarvey, in his Original Commentary on Acts said regarding Felix indecision, “It is a sad warning to all who thus procrastinate, that to neither Felix nor Drusilla did the season ever come which they thought convenient to listen to such preaching. Felix was soon dismissed in disgrace from his office; and Drusilla, with a son by Felix, perished in that eruption of Mount Vesuvius which engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.”

Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 6:2 “now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Putting off the Lord’s work to some future day may temporarily resolve whatever problem we think we have, but it will not resolve that problem eternally, it will only create greater, insurmountable problems.

When business of the Lord comes ’round, yes, needing to be done,
And eager souls around desire the work to have begun,
Some say just for the present time that we procrastinate,
And put that business off until some more “convenient” date.
How sad that such an attitude prevents the work of God,
Discouraging those eager hands to hang their heads and nod.
For time will come when work is done and no clock can be turned,
To days when opportunity and willing hands were spurned.
To judgment such will go in grief; the past won’t be interred,
For in that day no longer will decisions be deferred.
Oh let us not deceive ourselves and this day’s deeds erase,
And so dismiss the Lord’s business to other time or place.
The accepted time is now, my friend, to do the Lord’s good work.
So let us do so cheerfully, our charge no longer shirk.

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The Wrath of God

In our politically correct society it is not accepted to talk about a God that will destroy people for the sins that they commit. The world frowns on the idea of anger, vengeance, and righteous indignation. Yet, while the world doesn’t like these concepts, the Bible makes it clear that God has been, can be, and will be to some a God of wrath and anger. Not too long ago the ABC Corporation released a new version of “The Ten Commandments” in which sinners were killed for the sins that they committed. The movie drew the picture that God’s wrath was unjust. In a society that values inclusiveness and tolerance, that picture doesn’t go over too well. However, the truth is that we don’t need to be ashamed of God’s wrath, but warn people that indeed God will be vindicated one day.

The American Heritage dictionary defines the term “wrath” as follows: “1. Forceful, often vindictive anger. 2. a. Punishment or vengeance as a manifestation of anger. b. Divine retribution for sin.” The word wrath occurs 194 times in the King James Version of the Bible. The word “anger” is mentioned 228 times. There are times when men with such attitudes are condemned within the scripture, no doubt. However, in many of these instances, it is God who is angry or wrathful with man. Such descriptions of God need not be overlooked as we seek to understand who God is, but rather, examined. Why would God be angry or wrathful? Finding the answer to that question will help us understand the reason for God’s anger.

First, sin is what kindles God’s wrath. Genesis 6:5-6 states, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” Because of man’s sin, God destroyed the earth with a great flood. God’s wrath was present in the beginning of the Bible and it is present at its end as well. Again, in response to man’s sinfulness, the book of Revelation says of Christ, the executor of God’s vengeance, “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). The bottom line is that God’s wrath isn’t God’s fault; it is the fault of those who sin.

Second, God’s wrath will fall on some men because man’s sin offends God. God doesn’t punish sin simply because He gets some kind of “kick” out of doing it as some cartoonists have tried to convey. Sin is offensive to God. God’s character is such that He is holy, righteous, and pure (1 Peter 1:15-16). Because sin is unholy, unrighteous, and corrupt, it is offensive to the very nature of God. Consider Psalm 106:40. The Psalmist writes, “Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.” God had already explained to Israel that idolatry was offensive to Him (Exodus 20:3-5). So, it was due to Israel’s sin (idolatry) that God was offended and therefore angry with them. If we become angry when we are offended, and rightly so, why ought God not to be angry when He is offended?

Finally, God will ultimately execute his wrath upon sinful man because the wicked cannot go unpunished. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 states, “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” In this passage we see that God’s wrath flows directly from the fact of His righteousness and justice. Justice demands that some penalty be paid for those who commit wickedness. And for those who will not accept God’s generous offer of payment via the death of Jesus on the cross, some other form of payment must be made. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Yes, God’s wrath is something of which we all need to be aware. Paul wrote, “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God.” (Romans 11:22). If we are in the love of God, then we need not be concerned about God’s wrath. However, if we are not, then we need to beware lest it is God’s wrath we experience at the Day of Judgment. Hebrews 10:31 tells us, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

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He Has Become the Judge!

From all appearances it seemed to be a fine morning. Hena had awoken and begun his morning routine. Last night was a blast. He and his friends had literally ravished the city; it was their common diversion. As he made his way to the local market to buy some bread, he remembered what his friends told him that crazy religious guy had said last night, that what they were doing was wickedness. What a self righteous judger he thought. His friends had thought the same. He stopped; what’s that funny smell, he wondered? He turned around and looked behind him; buildings were burning in every direction. It was sulfur. Fireballs were raining down upon the city from every direction. There was no escape.

You may recognize the setting of the above fictional story: Sodom. However, what was not fictional about the story was what Lot said about the men of Sodom’s activities; he called it wickedness (Genesis 19:7). What was also true in this story is the reaction that the men of Sodom had to Lot’s characterization of their activities. The Bible records them as saying, This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! (Genesis 19:9 ESV). Such response is stereotypical of those who are involved in sinful activities. They condemn the messenger, instead of heeding the message. Why do men accuse those who speak the truth of judging them?

First, because they don’t know the true standard of judgment. Hosea 4:6 states, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. When individuals fail to know the standard of judgment, they are quick to condemn those who abide by that standard. They mistakenly assume that the individual is making himself the standard when in fact he is only reflecting the standard God has given. When God reveals what is right and wrong, the standard comes from God, not from man. When such is the case, it is God who is doing the judging, not men. Jesus said in John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Second, because men don’t like for their sins to be pointed out. The last thing that each of us desires is for someone else to tell us that we are wrong. Proverbs 15:10 states, Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. The simply truth of the matter is that if we are wrong, we need someone to tell us. Paul wrote, Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16). We ought never to be offended at someone telling the truth especially if it is offensive. Why? Because that usually means that we need to change and that’s usually the real reason we are offended.

Third, because it is easier than admitting that one is wrong. The fact of the matter is that personal pride often gets in the way of admitting that one has done wrong. It is a lot more easier to blame the problem on another person instead of confess one’s own faults, at least, in the mind of a proud person. Proverbs 16:18 states, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Humility means more than simply being a kind person; it means accepting correction when one is wrong.

We have a choice to either accept God’s judgments regardless of who tells them to us or not. The choice is ours, but we will be judged for it (2 Corinthians 5:10).

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Measuring Spiritual Progress

Our society is fascinated with measuring things. As early as kindergarten children are taught to use a ruler and think about weight. Physicians measure children’s height, weight, and circumferences at the time they are born and then at regular checkups. With adults, they measure blood pressure, pulse, and temperature each time you visit. We are fascinated with measurements in the weather: humidity, highs and lows, dew points, and wind speed and direction. In business all kinds of things are measured: sales, quotas, employment, terminations, production, etc. And let’s not even get started on how many things the government measures!

Considering how many things can be measured, do we stop and think about measuring our personal spiritual progress? I’m sure that someone, somewhere might say, “You can’t measure that!” Can we? The fact of the matter is that anything that we may be motivated to do spiritually can be measured and God gives us plenty of spiritual activities in which we are to be engaged. Consider some of the following questions compiled by a Christian friend of mine who lives in Ohio:

  1. Have you made all Sunday morning services this year? (Hebrews 10:25)
  2. Have you taken any notes at church this year? (2 Timothy 2:15)
  3. Did you review your notes later at home? (2 Peter 1:13-15)
  4. Did you share your notes with someone else? (Mark 16:15)
  5. Have you visited those in need, the elderly, the sick, the orphan? (James 1:27)
  6. Have you purchased outside study material this year? (2 Timothy 4:13)
  7. Have you attended any gospel meetings this year? (Acts 20:7)
  8. Did you read your Bible last week? (1 Timothy 4:13)
  9. Have you handed out any tract information this year? (Matthew 28:18-20)
  10. Do you attend mid-week classes when your child has sports? (Matthew 6:33)
  11. Do you think about the words during congregational worship? (1 Corinthians 14:15)
  12. Have you ever missed Sunday Evening services for the Superbowl? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  13. If your church holds a gospel meeting, are you there? (Hebrews 3:13)
  14. Do you sing out loud with the congregation or mumble through? (Colossians 3:16)
  15. Do you pray each day? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  16. Did you read your Bible every day this month? (Acts 17:11)
  17. When was the last time you taught a class at church? (Hebrews 5:12)
  18. When last did you study the Bible with someone, outside of Church? (Acts 8:4)
  19. When was the last time you helped clean the building? (Philippians 2:3-4)
  20. In the past, when relatives have visited, have you skipped a service? (Matthew 16:24-26)
  21. Do you prepare for your classes before attending? (1 Peter 3:15)
  22. When you travel, do you attend a mid-week Bible study? (Acts 28:15)
  23. When you travel, do you attend more than once on Sunday? (1 Peter 1:22)
  24. Do you study the Bible each day with your children? (Ephesians 6:4)
  25. Do your children have a regular Bible study schedule? (Deuteronomy 6:7)

These questions are not designed to make anyone feel guilty for not engaging in such activities. Neither are they designed for us to measure our own righteousness and tout that above others. These are personal questions to be answered privately by each individual, to motivate us to examine our level of spiritual health and encourage us to become more spiritual. Each of these questions are supported by scripture that they are things that we need to be doing. Some of them are specifically enjoined; others are enjoined generally. We can measure our personal level of spiritual involvement if we are open, honest with ourselves, and willing to abide by the word of God (2 Corinthians 13:5). I want to encourage each one of you to take some time this week and go through this list and pick a few things upon which to focus so that your life can be more spiritual. This exercise is between you and God; there will be no test given by the elders or the preacher; there will however be a final exam one day.

This article written in cooperation with Travis Main.

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The Lord’s Supper – The Christian’s Holy Meal

Recently in a ladies Bible class we were discussing things considered holy today. Our study was centered upon the Valley of Achor where Achan took of the devoted thing and desecrated it (Joshua 7). One of the discussion questions at the end of our study was as follows: “How is it possible for us to sin today as Achan did? How is it possible to desecrate what God declares as holy?” I asked the implied question to the group, “What do we consider holy today?” The first response I received was, “The Lord’s Supper.”

The thought of desecrating that which is holy also brings to mind the story of Nadab and Abihu. After their tragic deaths, God tells Aaron to “put a difference between holy and unholy and between clean and unclean” (Leviticus 10:10). The principle proffered here is the same presented to Peter in Acts 10:15 “What God has cleansed, that call thou not common.” Desecration of that which is holy has always brought divine disapproval and condemnation.

With these things in mind, the comment in ladies Bible class reflects an understanding by all Christians which transcends both time and culture: The Lord’s Supper is holy. It is a sacred feast sanctified by Christ and set by the Holy Spirit in the annals of apostolic authority. So sacred is this supper within the thoughts of early Christians that when abuses of it were reported at Corinth, Paul deals with these abuses in a clear and convincing manner. The Lord’s supper was not to be made common or subjected to such a context. In fact, the actions of the Corinthian church were not even acknowledged by Paul as an instance of this holy meal (1 Corinthians 11:20). Today, unauthorized innovations within the Lord’s Supper should cause us to reflect upon the mistakes of the Corinthians and to preserve its holy and uncommon nature.

The apostle’s call was for the Corinthians to abandon the common and respect the holy. To observe the Lord’s supper the Corinthians needed to recognize that when they came together as the church, they transcended the common family relationship and common meal (1 Corinthians 11:22). By fostering the familial distinctions they despised the church. Feeding one’s family was to occur within the home where common meals were appropriate. In contrast, within the church a spiritual feast should occur. It is not a feast of the body, but of the soul. It is not for physical nourishment, but for spiritual edification. The emphasis is not upon physical quantity, but spiritual quality.

Even with the clear discussion Paul gives regarding the observance of the holy feast there is still some confusion today regarding its institution within the context of the Passover meal. Does this imply, as some have suggested, that the communion is incomplete without the context of an additional fellowship meal? To the contrary, the Lord’s supper is not to be observed as supplemental to the Passover feast, but in substitution of it.

To the Jewish mind, the Passover was a holy observance that memorialized the atonement of their firstborn and their redemption from Egyptian bondage. The paschal lamb itself was not looked upon as merely a holy feast, but an atoning sacrifice made to God. In place of the life of the firstborn, God allowed them to substitute the life of a lamb. The blood of the lamb was to be placed upon the lentil and they were then to roast it and consume it. The consumption of the lamb was to be accompanied by unleavened bread and bitter herbs. It was to be wholly consumed by every member of the family and whatever remained was to be burned with fire (Exodus 12:1-20).

The suggestion some have made that Jesus, in instituting the Lord’s supper, borrowed from the Passover and reinterpreted the elements is inconsistent with His fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). In contrast, it is consistent to say that He made application of the elements in the context of the perfect Paschal Lamb–His own atoning sacrifice. (Is this not how he partakes of this meal in His kingdom today? [Luke 22:16, 18]) The context of the Passover meal becomes moot to the Lord’s Supper because Christ as our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7, 8) replaces the sacrificial and atoning lamb; His sufferings replace the bitter herbs (Isaiah 53). Remembrance of the redemption of Egypt becomes remembrance of our redemption from sin through the sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ (Luke 22:19; Matthew 26:28). We consume not the flesh of the sacrificial lamb of the Passover, but the body and blood of the sacrificial Lamb which is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25). And just as the sacrificial lamb was to be wholly consumed by every member of the family, every member of the body of Christ is to partake of the supper without division (1 Corinthians 11:18). The Lord’s Supper as representative of the ultimate passover of the sins of man through Christ replaces and transcends the Mosaic meal (1 Corinthians 5:7, 8).

Why some will want to inculcate elements of a common meal or elements from a dead system of atonement into the sacred supper of the Savior mystifies me. The Lord’s supper is holy. Efforts to innovate this divine communion will only result in God’s displeasure. May we seek to respect God’s ways and make the appropriate distinction between the holy and the common.

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