Procrastination… the 8th Deadly Sin

Dear Trekker,
I’m sure you are somewhat familiar with the Church fathers’ “seven deadly sins”! No, they are not “so listed” in the Bible. Some years ago my penchant for acrostics (to remember things) came up with SLAPEGG, meaning we all have egg on our face when it comes to sin. Can you spell out the acrostic? Here goes: Sloth, lust, anger, pride, envy, greed, gluttony.

Well, in my life, I have fought an “eighth” deadly sin since a young boy. It is procrastination. And as I have been writing this over the years, I knew that someday I would have to come clean. This finally was triggered recently when one of my visiting older sisters, in front of God, creation, and a group of friends, began her comments with, “Jim has always been a procrastinator! I winced… she meant no harm, even saying it with a smile… but I knew there was truth in her words.

Have you ever procrastinated, or been a victim of procrastination? Well, probably so, if you are a member of the human race. (Although I don’t think “friend wife” ever procrastinates… she does have her life together… God was good to me when He gave me Barbara. See Eccl 9:9, Trekker,) Procrastination is surely an interesting phenomenon to ponder. Even friends will rarely point out such a fault (but sisters might). And if they do, we likely won’t accept it. (I had to, because it was true.) But the “good news” is that God forgives “all of our sin and sins” and we can, by His grace, grow out of our sin into His likeness. I am working on it, Trekker, and I hope this month’s subject is a catalyst to you, too.

To ease your mind, the word procrastination never appears in the Bible. No direct warnings against it, no admonition to flee from it, no command to accomplish to eliminate its possibility. It simply is there, lurking around the corner, slowing down or preventing “the good things” of life. Well, what is it, you say? Try this self constructed definition on for size… procrastination is the act or practice of delaying (consciously or unconsciously) the doing of something that in our heart or mind we know should be done.

Sometimes procrastination can be the result of laziness (a form of sloth). The Scripture commands work and industrious activity (Proverbs 12:24; 13:4) and predicts dire outcomes for those lacking in “get up and go” (Proverbs 15:19, 18:9).

Procrastination can be the result of failure to exercise priorities in our thinking and lifestyle. Some things are more important than others… reconciliation with a brother or sister, e.g. The Rabbi taught that relationships are the essence of life; hence, reconciliation with a brother or sister should occur quickly without delay (Matthew 5:23, 24). Clearly, it is unwise to delay mending any broken relationships or dealing with anger, as the Apostle Paul admonished the Ephesians believers (Chapter 4: 26, 27). Procrastination, sooner or later a horrible habit, will destroy productivity and consume our lives.

How do we get on top of our tendency to procrastinate! Prioritize and then do not postpone till tomorrow what you planned to do today. As I pen these words, it is a bit late, but I am committed to finish these thoughts before hitting the sack. Some suggest always tackling the tough assignment first! In the book, “Eat that Frog”, Brian Tracy cuts to the core of effective time management, a sure key to ending procrastination: decisive, discipline and determination. He espouses the 80/20 rule, known as the “Pareto Principle” after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto: …there are the “vital few” (top 20%) in terms of influence, and the “trivial many”, the bottom 80%. But applied to life, 20% of our activities will yield 80% of favorable life results, or the corollary, 20% of completed tasks will be responsible for 80% of the value of your day, etc. Or said more succinctly, of ten things, two we can do will turn out to be far more important than the eight things neglected. I think Pareto was on to something, and Tracy is fleshing it out.

If we focus on challenges, accomplishments will be a by-product. The hardest part is getting started. So start! I find once I tackle the important, the urgent, I am motivated to continue, unabated. I feel exhilarated when I am engaged. I surge! I respond with enthusiasm! I like the writer of Ecclesiastics: “Whatever your heart finds to do, do it with all your might (9:10). Pick up the phone, make the call, write the thank-you. Send the email. Follow through; it’s common courtesy to yourself and others. What an opportunity… we have a will that can overcome debilitating instincts. Time management can be exercised, and we are the —-. Productive trekkers discipline themselves!

To delay can be devastating and deadly. Life is short; we don’t know about tomorrow. (Read James 4: 13-14) To procrastinate in “accepting” God’s love is foolish. Remember the story of the ten virgins… Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 25: 1-13! Could it be that the reason they were unprepared is that they procrastinated? I fear so!

In closing, I am reminded of a scene in the movie, “Dead Poets Society”, in which Professor Robin Williams shows his students a photograph of students who previously attended the posh boarding school, but have all died. Then he whispers to them: “Carpe diem! Seize the day, boys, seize the day.”

Trekker, I am seeking to “seize the day”, everyday. Together let’s seize the day in every way, without delay. We will snuff out procrastination! Embrace opportunity, trekker. Only one life, twill soon be past! Let’s continue to claim the moment. Jesus beckons… no time to waste!

Ever seeking to overcome the 8th deadly sin, your friend,
Jim Meredith