Study on Procrastination: Don't put off reading this!!

Dear Crosswalkers,

I have been known to put off doing a thing or two, which is why I pay attention to studies on procrastination.  According to an article in Scientific American Mind (from a couple of years ago, of course!), numerous psychologists have studied the prevalence and consequences of procrastination. The following facts provide an overview of some of the more interesting findings about this research:

• About 15-20 percent of adults are regular procrastinators.
• About 80-95 percent of college students are considered procrastinators!  Obviously, college students are not considered adults in this study!
• In 2002 Americans unnecessarily paid $473 million in taxes because of mistakes by hurried and harried late-filers.
• Many Americans don't have enough money for their retirement because of putting off saving during their working life.
• A University of Windsor in Ontario study found that procrastinators had higher stress levels and more household accidents than non-procrastinators.
• The vast majority of procrastinators—95 percent—want to end their habit but can't!  Why?  They keep putting it off!!  On a more serious note, one psychologist said: "Habits become non-conscious brain processes. When procrastination becomes chronic, a person is essentially running on autopilot."

Procrastinators have a saying, “The early bird may get the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese!”

Does the Bible have anything to say about putting things off?  Well, many proverbs speak against laziness, but the verse that comes to mind is what Jesus said to someone who wanted to obey the call to discipleship:

Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”  But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61-62).

There is nothing more important than following Jesus.  It is something to be done immediately, and then all the other "necessities of life" will find their proper place.  Now let me ask you a very personal question:  Is there something God has been putting on your heart but you keep putting it off and putting it off until its importance vanishes?  How many times has the Holy Spirit convicted you or convinced you about something but then because you didn’t do it right away it never got done?

Here's a good idea:  END PROCRASTINATION NOW!!  There are a number of important opportunities before you!  This Sunday we will offer our welcome class.  This is the class for church membership.  Have you been putting this important decision off?  The following Sunday, on Mother’s Day we will have baptisms.  Have you put off following the Lord in baptism?  Has the Royal Wedding that on Friday was viewed by an estimated 2 billion people reminded you of something you’ve been putting off regarding marriage?  Or regarding your spouse?  Have you wanted to go deeper with the Lord by sharing in a class or Bible study but have been putting it off?  We have two classes being offered beginning next Wednesday evening:

1. One is on marriage entitled:  "A Kiss in the Dark:  Marriage in the Light." Why not invest in your marriage now and plan to attend this class?
2. A second class is on the spiritual journey of following the Lord entitled:  “How Far do you want to God?  A Travel App for Today’s World.” If you’ve been putting off being in a Bible Study, then this class is for you!

I hope to see you Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor John