“The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition],
But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4 The Amplified Bible)
The title above was just to get your attention in hopes that you will invest some time to see what today’s meditation is about. Actually, I want to start with the difference with how a “Daddy” and a spouse, referred to as “Da Wife” in this meditation address procrastination…at times, and then we will look at procrastination in regard to our Heavenly Father. Let’s get started.
“Da Wife” may speak kind words, offering a suggestion or pointing out that there is something that still needs to be taken care of because it remains undone. There is usually no order given, and there is no time-based objective given. That’s usually not the case. Granted, as necessary there are exceptions for the benefit of others. “Da Wife” is persistent with loving reminders and seldom mandates that immediate action is required, unless it is a matter that undeniably demands a sense of urgency, or it is an actual emergency. Christian wives seem to have a lot more patience and probably use less verbal “exclamation” marks.
Christian husbands get the picture when the wife speaks, whether it is in the form of a soft-spoken reminder or a strong suggestion. And, let me speak for husbands, we get around to doing it, realizing that wives are not only submissive to their husbands, but as the word of God says, we are to be submissive to one another. (I know there is one of wives reading this somewhere today who just raised their hand and said, “Amen! That’s right!”
“Daddy” is different than “Da Wife.” How so? Let me show you with an example. Daddy says, “Your room is a mess, and you need to clean it.” The child responds, “I will straighten it out tomorrow.” Daddy does not have the same patience and presentation style of “Da Wife.” Daddy responds, in a tone that shows a lack of tolerance, “Not tomorrow! Do it now!” And to drive the point home, he says, “Right now!” You would think that the Daddy had written the lyrics to the song that says, “Your tomorrow may just very well be today.” From the Daddy’s perspective, there is no “may” about it! Notice the verbal “exclamation” marks! There is no uncertainty and no room for compromising on when the task needs to be complete. He repeats, increasing his volume, speeding up his rate of speed, as he specifically repeats his words, “Do it now!” It is almost like Daddy transformed into a different being! Smile! Side note: Many single mothers have to assume the role of “Daddy.” Thank God for responsible single-mothers!
But let me ask you something. Did you see the difference between “Daddy” and “Da Wife” when it comes to dealing with procrastination? Well, to be fair, and to get myself off the hook, let me inject that in some cases there is no difference at all between “Daddy” and “Da Wife” when it comes to communicating what needs to be done! However, there is one “Daddy” who is different. Yes, I am referring to the Big Daddy, our Father who art in Heaven! Recognize His authority and His sovereignty! He is straightforward with His words. When He says, “You shall not” He means it! When He says, “You shall” He means that too! Now, He has given us free will and we can choose to do what He says or not, act immediately or procrastinate, please Him with faith or displease Him by faltering. Yet, keep in mind, our decisions have consequences. The nature of the consequences depends on the nature of our compliance to His words, whether or not we align our will up with His will.
Let me also point out the similarity with our Heavenly Father and the “Daddy” and “Da Wife.” Perhaps I should point to the commonality. They all want the best outcome for who is being addressed.
What’s the point of today’s meditation? The point is that we need to examine, evaluate how we are responding to what the Lord has pointed out to us, individually and corporately as a church; things that need to be done so that we are better. Better in His sight and better in such a way that we have a positive impact on those around us, and that we might let our righteousness be a contagious element that causes others to join the ranks of the righteous. We must start changing for the better, all of us now, today! Procrastinating practices should be put aside! Think about these words today. Take them to heart! Translate them into actions…now, not tomorrow! Today you have, but tomorrow, who knows what will take place. Be blessed!
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:14-15 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King