Overview:
We live in an age of remarkable gadgetry, don’t we? With a simple voice command, we can access instant information from anywhere in the world. Yet, for all our technological speed, there is a downside that often creeps in unnoticed: the subtle sin of idleness. We can become so distracted by the tools in our hands that we neglect the work of our hands.
In this message, Stop Procrastinating and Start Following Through, I want to remind you that laziness is not a victimless crime. It affects our spiritual growth, our relationships, and our witness. Join me as we confront the habit of putting things off and discover the discipline of following through on what God has called us to do.
Message Summary:
In the sermon “Stop Procrastinating and Start Following Through,” Charles R. Swindoll addresses the stewardship of time as a critical component of spiritual maturity. He argues that time is a unique, irretrievable gift from God, given in equal measure to everyone—86,400 seconds every day—with the stipulation that it must be spent and cannot be carried over. Swindoll challenges the congregation to stop entertaining the “thief of time”—procrastination—which steals motivation and incentive.
By examining Ecclesiastes 3 and Ephesians 5, Swindoll highlights that God is intimately engaged in our time and has planted “eternity in the human heart,” making our daily choices eternally significant. He emphasizes that a lack of discipline in managing time often results in “wasted other people’s time,” which he labels an abuse of privilege. The sermon concludes with a practical call to action: setting priorities, refusing to make excuses, and starting the process of change immediately, particularly regarding a relationship with Christ.
Message Key Facts:
- The Equal Deposit of Time: Every person receives 86,400 seconds (1,440 minutes) daily, which must be spent within that 24-hour period.
- Definition of Time: Swindoll defines time as either a moment or a duration in which events occur for which we are held accountable as a god-given stewardship.
- The Nature of Time: Time is described as rare (once spent, it is gone), irretrievable (there are no “instant replays” in life), and wrapped in eternity.
- The Trap of Procrastination: Procrastination is labeled a “thief” that encourages people to make excuses for avoiding difficult tasks, such as mending relational fences or addressing personal health.
- Stewardship of the Body: Swindoll specifically addresses obesity as an “acceptable sin” among Christians and argues that managing one’s weight and health is a matter of honoring the “Temple of the Holy Spirit”.
- Four Steps to Conquer Procrastination:
- Set Priorities: Determine the most important tasks and address them first.
- Stop Excusing: Cease the creative rationalizations used to put things off.
- Stay Realistic: Avoid overreaching; start with small, manageable goals like losing one pound a week.
- Start Today: Begin the work immediately rather than waiting for a “better time”.
Message References:
- Ephesians 5:15–17: The primary command to “redeem the time” and be careful how one lives—not as a fool, but as one who is wise.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1–11: A poetic reflection on the seasons of life, establishing that there is a time for every activity under heaven and that God has planted eternity in our hearts.
- Proverbs 6:6–11: An illustration of the ant, which works with intense diligence and self-discipline without needing a ruler to prod it.
- Acts 23–24: The cautionary tale of Governor Felix, who procrastinated on his decision to follow Christ and ultimately “died without him”.
