“Procrastination is fatal.”

A thought by Rick Warren from his book. God's Power to Change Your Life (Living with Purpose) (p. 23). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That seems a little extreme and I want to read what Rick says but I’m busy today, so I’ll read it tomorrow.

Well for those of you who stopped, here is what Rick says, “Only one thing will keep you from changing and becoming the person you and God want you to be. It’s not the devil. It’s not other people. It’s not circumstances. It’s procrastination.”

He goes on, “I meet many people who are getting ready to live but never do. ‘I’m aiming to change,’ they tell me. And I want to reply, ‘That’s good, but when are you going to pull the trigger?’

“Procrastination is fatal. One of these days I’m going to go to the dentist. One of these days I’m going to have that surgery I need. One of these days I’m going to spend more time with the family … get serious about being a Christian … become active in church … go after that dream. One of these days I’m going to get into shape. One of these days! More often than not, that day never comes.”

Later he says, “You and I do this all the time. We procrastinate by putting off changes that we know will be good for us. Why? Maybe we are complacent. Maybe we are too lazy to change. Maybe we are afraid because we don’t know what the changes will involve. Maybe we are too proud or just stubborn. Whatever the reason, we procrastinate.

“The NASA space engineers tell us that most of the fuel used in a rocket launch is burned up in the first few seconds of lift-off. It takes tremendous energy and thrust to get the rocket off the launching pad. Once it’s moving and headed for orbit, it requires much less fuel and is easier to control and direct. It has overcome inertia.

“It is one thing for me to tell you that Jesus Christ can cancel your past, help you conquer the problems you are facing right now, and change your personality. But it is quite another matter for you to overcome inertia and actually let him begin to do it now! Although you may agree with everything I say, you may still wait and let Jesus help you ‘one of these days.’”

Rick says, “Maybe you are overwhelmed by your problems. Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that no situation is hopeless. Relax. Trust God. You don’t have to be controlled by your circumstances. No problem is too big for God. He is still in the resurrection business. What are you waiting for? Right now you can say, ‘Jesus Christ, take my life. Take the good, the bad, and the ugly. Take every part of me.’ Open your heart to his love right now and let his transforming resurrection power become a reality in your life.”

Would you not put it off to another day?  Would you pray that prayer right now?  Would you?

Yes, yes?