The Danger of Waiting

Procrastination is a practice of some people, and everyone has been guilty of it at times. It can cost us money, our reputation, our good health, our life, and even our soul. Of course, the value we place on some things demands the urgency of our attention and actions; whereas, many things of lesser value can be put off until tomorrow with no severe consequence suffered. We must learn to distinguish between the two, and then proceed immediately to attend to the important things of life. Let us consider briefly some things that should not be put off and why.

One should not wait on obeying the gospel. The gospel must be heard, believed, and obeyed in order to be saved (Mark 16:15–16; 2 Thess. 1:8). Yet many people who know the truth, and know they are lost, procrastinate in their obedience. They are dead in sin, having no hope and without God in their lives, yet they still wait. Some wait for “a more convenient time” (Acts 24:25). And for many, death comes before the convenient time does.

One should not wait on being restored to faithfulness. An unfaithful Christian is in a lost condition. Such a person is negligent in Christian duties, is hurting the church by his or her example, and is traveling the broad way that leads to eternal destruction (Matt. 7:13–14). The promise of eternal life is to the faithful (Rev. 2:10). Many who are unfaithful have good intentions of returning to the Lord someday. But as time passes, they continue to procrastinate, and it becomes more difficult to repent.

One should not wait on actively working for the Lord. The work of the church is urgent, and every member is needed (1 Cor. 12:12–27). Yet, how many are not involved? Some have no plans to ever be involved—Sunday worship is the extent of their “work” in the church. Others admit they need to participate more in church-related activities and have good intentions of doing so. But time goes on, and they continue turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to whatever the church is doing. The work gets done, but without them. Souls are lost in sin, but someone else has to teach them. Some need to be restored, but someone else has to bring them back. Brethren need visiting, encouragement, and help, but someone else has to do it.

Why should one not wait?

1. Because that’s what the devil wants you to do, and if he can get you to keep putting it off, then your soul will be his.
2. Because “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2)—not tomorrow, next month, or next year.
3. Because there is danger and death in delay. Jesus said, “The night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).
4. Because opportunity often is lost when we put it off (Matt. 25:1–13).
5. Because hearts become hardened with the passing of time (Heb. 3:13).
6. Because the Lord could return any day and at any moment (1 Thess. 5:2).
7. Because it is sinful to know to do good and not do it (James 4:17).

Waiting to do important things is the greatest mistake one can make.