Procrastination is an activity that we’ve engaged in at times. When we regret our procrastination we may conclude one of these days we’re going to stop procrastinating – but not now. One benefit of procrastination is that it gives you something to look forward to. Procrastination may be relatively harmless when it comes to cleaning out a closet; however, it is serious when it involves matters of life and death.

Israel refused to enter the land and they perished in the wilderness because of their rebellion. Forty years later Joshua led their children into the land that God had promised, but now they were succumbing to the same error as their forefathers and not taking possession of what God had promised,

So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? (Joshua 18:3)

The writer of book of Hebrews looks at this incident in Israel’s history as a metaphor and a warning for us that we are not appropriating all that God has promised us. Are you putting off entering the abundant life that God has provided for you?

Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Your birthright as a child of God is to experience a life of rest that is characterized by joy and peace. Why do so many Christians fall short of the abundant life that Jesus has promised? There are a number of reasons why we may procrastinate – do any of these reasons characterize your life?

1. Lack of motivation
2. Lack of knowledge
3. Lack of focus
4. Fear of failure
5. Fear of success
6 Perfectionism
7. Rebellion
8. Role models who procrastinate

God wants to do so much in and through your life. Are you experiencing the fullness of life in Christ? When we truly realize that we only have a limited amount of time on earth, then we live each day to the fullest. In the game of life, I’m not interested in the fifty yard line seats – I want to get into the game. The world needs you to be at your best and to be engaged. Edmund Burke reminds us, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

The situation is urgent; the stakes are high, the time is now. May we be diligent to enter that rest,

Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5