Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a behavior that is implicitly condemned by Christ through His teachings and parables. The Bible, while not explicitly using the term "procrastination," addresses the underlying attitudes and consequences associated with it, urging believers to live with diligence, readiness, and a sense of urgency in their spiritual and daily lives.

Biblical Teachings and Parables

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): In this parable, Jesus illustrates the importance of being prepared and vigilant. The five foolish virgins procrastinated in preparing their oil, resulting in their exclusion from the wedding feast. Jesus concludes with a warning: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This parable underscores the dangers of spiritual procrastination and the necessity of readiness for the Lord's return.

2. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): Here, Jesus tells of a master who entrusts his servants with talents before going on a journey. The servant who buried his talent out of fear and laziness is rebuked as "wicked and lazy" (Matthew 25:26). This parable highlights the expectation of active and diligent stewardship of the resources and opportunities God provides, condemning the procrastination that leads to inaction.

3. The Urgency of Discipleship (Luke 9:59-62): When Jesus calls individuals to follow Him, He encounters excuses and delays. One man asks to bury his father first, and another wishes to say goodbye to his family. Jesus responds, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). This passage emphasizes the immediacy and priority of following Christ, leaving no room for procrastination.

Exhortations to Diligence

1. Ephesians 5:15-16: Paul exhorts believers to "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" . This call to wisdom and seizing opportunities reflects a biblical stance against procrastination, urging believers to act with purpose and urgency.

2. Proverbs 6:6-11: The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks against procrastination through the example of the ant: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise... How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?" . This passage encourages diligence and warns against the poverty that comes from procrastination and laziness.

3. James 4:13-17: James warns against presuming upon the future, reminding believers that life is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. He advises, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them" (James 4:17). This admonition highlights the sinfulness of procrastination when it leads to neglecting known duties.

Spiritual Readiness and Accountability

The teachings of Christ and the broader biblical narrative emphasize the importance of spiritual readiness and accountability. Procrastination, whether in spiritual matters or daily responsibilities, is portrayed as a hindrance to faithful living. Believers are called to be vigilant, proactive, and diligent, recognizing that their time and opportunities are gifts from God to be used wisely for His glory.Luke 9:59-62
And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... let not this be a reason for your procrastination"that were ... He that believeth in
him is not condemned, and he ... When a soul professes to trust Christ, and yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... none to rescue, nowhere the face of Christ, so mild ... no one be angry, as though he
were condemned. ... Have we not had enough of indolence, mirth, procrastination? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

The Wailing of Risca
... for taken in Satan's great net of procrastination we may ... brethren, ye that know not
God, and are still condemned, because you believe not in Christ, I pray ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the wailing of risca.htm

God's Word not to be Refused
... are others who refuse the Saviour simply out of procrastination. ... that believeth on
him is not condemned," "He that ... be saved." Wherein it is Christ's gospel, it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/gods word not to be.htm

A Home Question
... gone out against you; you are condemned already because ... self-convicted, may look
to Christ hanging on ... any other cause, next to procrastination"thinking about ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a home question.htm

The Honoured Guest
... The procrastination of Felix, which led him to say, "When I ... Though not to be condemned,
still they are not ... of showing that you have received Christ joyfully is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the honoured guest.htm

Quenching the Spirit.
... Not all religious excitement, however, is to be condemned. ... Christ said "that for
every idle word that men shall ... Again by a spirit of procrastination, and by ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xv quenching the spirit.htm

Matt. v. 17
... of evils Christ checking beforehand, had condemned first him ... Thus also Christ permits
not, though it be ever ... upside down, as delay and procrastination in the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvi matt v 17.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... to say, if you come to Christ and perish ... Remember, among the condemned the fearful
and unbelieving ... is always the result of waiting: procrastination never profits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Last Things
... How will procrastination seem when once you get there ... Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners ... gospel, "Whosoever believeth is not condemned." To believe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/last things.htm

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