Do you struggle with procrastination? There are few things that are more tempting than setting a task or decision aside until a more convenient time. The problem is, if I get to decide when that time is, it may never come. There is always something more convenient than what needs to be done.
Sometimes we can get away with procrastinating. If you decide the clean laundry sitting in the hamper all day can wait until tomorrow to be folded and put away so you can enjoy one more episode of your favorite show, it certainly won’t be the end of the world, but some things cannot be put off.
Felix was the governor of Judea who was set to judge Paul when he was accused of causing riots in Acts 23 and 24. At Paul’s trial, he came face to face with the greatest decision of his life. When Paul gave his defense, he took hold of the moment to not just give his case but to also make the case for Christ to Felix. He preached to him about the resurrection, the fate of the just and unjust (Acts 24:15, 21). When he finished, Felix had learned the gospel message (v. 22). Would he accept it?
The Bible tells us that Felix wrestled with Paul’s gospel plea. In verse 25 it says, “…he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come…” But, when it came time for him to make his decision he said, “God away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Felix procrastinated, and as far as we can tell, he never found that convenient time.
Every one of us is faced with the same decision as Felix. In Acts 17:30-31, Paul tells us, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.” No one gets to opt out of this appointment. But, like Felix, so many will reject this call, and others will simply just put it off for another day.
Why would you sit on such an important decision? The Bible tells us that Felix procrastinated because he was afraid. He considered what Paul said about righteousness, self-control and judgment, and froze up. This is the same for so many of us. We look at what the life of a Christian calls us to give up, and we aren’t ready to let them go. But rather than reject God outright, we simply say, “Maybe when I’m older” or “…after I get more life experience.” But, this is the plain truth. No worldly indulgence is worth risking your eternal soul. “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).
If you have been considering getting your life right with God, don’t procrastinate. The convenient time is now!