The Sin of Procrastination

The Sin of Procrastination

Is procrastination a sin? It is not specifically mentioned in the 10 commandments so is it really a bad thing? This may be hard to hear but the simple answer is, “Yes Absolutely!!!!” Our time and talents are gifts from God and should not be wasted. Procrastination is defined as “the act of willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done,” or, “to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.” While the word “procrastinate” is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the topic is addressed. 

Colossians 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

The Bible says that when it comes to some things, we should never procrastinate. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus taught that reconciling with an offended brother should be done immediately upon our remembrance of the situation. The bible also tells us, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” Ephesians 4:26-27. Dealing appropriately with our anger is a matter of great importance, and we must not put it off until tomorrow or you risk giving the devil a foothold. 

Christians should never procrastinate when it comes to sharing the gospel with the lost. There is no time to waste. No one is promised tomorrow and that person you need to witness to, may not have tomorrow. Their life could come abruptly to an end without warning. The Bible urges everyone to get right with God today. 

Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 

Procrastination may also be an unforgivable sin. The bible tells us that there is only one sin that can not be forgiven and that is the sin of blasphemy. What is blasphemy you ask? It is the is hardening your heart against God and repeatedly refusing to respond to the Holy Spirit. In other words, the only unpardonable, unforgivable sin is a persistent refusal to acknowledge the reality and existence of God, the fact that He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. It is the refusal to “Admit,” “Believe,” and “Confess” faith in God! What does all this have to do with procrastination and how can it be unforgivable? Some people, upon hearing the gospel and recognizing their spiritual need, delay in making a response. This is the most dangerous type of procrastination. They may think that they need to clean up their bad habits first. They may not be ready to let go of their favorite vice and think foolishly that they are young and they will enjoy life now and later turn to God. Life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow!

Proverbs 27:1 NIV Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 

So in the matter of our spiritual life, we dare not procrastinate. If you die this day without confessing faith in God you will spend eternity separated from God in Hell where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched. As Christians it is unwise for us to delay healing a broken relationship or dealing with anger. Giving glory to God comes with eternal blessing and should motivate all we do, so we have no reason to procrastinate. In short, procrastination is a bad habit that can have eternal effects.