To stop procrastinating as a Christian it is important to be fully committed to change. Most people may not even be aware of how much they procrastinate. To stop procrastination, you must be fully committed to getting rid of this issue and be determined to live a structured and disciplined life.
To stop procrastinating as a Christian: first step is to understand procrastination.
Procrastination is delaying doing something that you should do, usually because you do not want to do it. People who procrastinate defer to the future what they need to so today. They say the following:
- I will clean my room tomorrow
- I will lose weight someday
- I will do the dishes later
What’s the common issue with each of these statements? The common thread in each of the statements above is lack of commitment and resolve. As long as you delay what you could be done to the future, you will delay accomplishing great things. Your actions are important! The actions you are taking today are indicators of where you will be in the future.
My personal story (How I stopped procrastinating as a Christian):
I remember for 10 years I wanted to get in shape and lose about 10 pounds. I was out of shape and always feeling very tired. This had been going on for years.
- I had a gym membership – I was paying for it monthly – but I hadn’t stepped into the gym for almost 3 years. And no it wasn’t because of the pandemic – this was even before the pandemic.
- I kept talking about doing it. Until my family members told me they didn’t want to hear it anymore because they knew I wasn’t serious. Their honesty helped me confront myself and the real reason why I had not lost the weight- would you believe in less than 4 months after I confronted my real reason for procrastinating losing the weight – I made up my mind to lose weight and I lost 44 pounds.
The bible describes people who procrastinate as slothful people and sluggards.
Proverbs 24:30-34 – 30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
- Proverbs 6:9-11 – How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
- Proverbs 19:24 – The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
- Proverbs 20:4 – The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
- Proverbs 6:6 – Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
2. Change your mindset
1. Check your mindsets; the way you think matters. Never Puts in the future what needs to be done now – never sees what needs to be done as to be done later —
2. Check what you say; never make excuses –
Proverbs 22:13 – Living Bible – 13 The lazy man is full of excuses. “I can’t go to work!” he says. “If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!”
3. Check your actions
Don’t live vague noncommittal lives. Set goals and act on your goals. Be definite about your life and the things that need to be done.–
Proverbs 12:24 ESV – The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
4. Check your circle of influence
People around you will influence your life positively or negatively. Pick your friends wisely. Don’t tolerate anything or anyone in your inner circle that will slow you down.
5. How to stop procrastinating as a Christian:
- Living purposefully – Always be clear about what needs to be done – and just do it.
- You are disillusioned if you pray for God to do what he expects you to do — Faith does not negate the Principles of diligence
Ephesians 5:15-17 – 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is
To learn more about how to avoid procrastination, check out this article on: productivity.