Procrastination is a topic worthy of discussion. At least that’s the impression I got today when I searched for this word on Google and got over 82 million results. That’s quite a difference from the 8,780 I found for precrastination. Although these two words have opposite meanings, the general consensus I have gathered is that neither one of them are good qualities to have. If we put off the things that need to be done now to later on (procrastinate) this can present a slew of negative issues. Conversely, when we try and get everything done as soon as we know about it, we might find ourselves wasting time on trivialities while important tasks remain undone. When should we do things then? Is there a “best” time or not? 

I finished reading the book of Ruth today and walked away with some thoughts that I’ve never had before. One verse from the third chapter stood out to me.

Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

Ruth 3:18 (NIV)

If you’re not familiar with the story of Ruth, I invite you to read about it here (Ruth 1-4). It’s not very long, only four chapters, and it bridges the gap between Judges and the birth of Samuel, the last of Israel’s judges before they sought a king. In this verse, the man Naomi is talking about is Boaz. The “matter” Boaz is settling involves being a kinsman redeemer and marrying Ruth. When I read Ruth 3:18 today, I noted it, as I’ve said, and moved on. It wasn’t until I was reading 2 Corinthians 6 that I got an idea of what was going on in my head.

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (emphasis added)

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

I’m not going to perform exegesis on this passage right now. I will tell you that Paul is referring to Isaiah 49, which is about the coming Messiah, and it would behoove you to read Isaiah 49 to better understand what Paul is talking about and its importance. I do, however, want to talk about the notion of now. 

Now

Jesus gives us some great advice in Matthew 6.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

This is a great verse worthy of following and remembering. However, it’s vital to know what the “therefore” is that Jesus is referring to.

Jesus has been telling his disciples how they should live. In Matthew 6:19-24, He’s telling them not to store up treasure on earth and that they cannot serve two masters. Then, in Matthew 6:25, he tells them, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (NIV) Jesus ties worrying in with the concepts that he just got through discussing. Storing up earthly treasures and trying to serve both God and money. 

Think about what it means when we store up treasures. I think we can compare it to saving money. Why do we save money? There are many good reasons to save money, but what happens when we’re saving money for an unexpected time when we fear that won’t have money? What if that time doesn’t come? What if we die before that time comes? What if the money we save today is worth less tomorrow? What if the money could have been put to better use today? Again, there are many good reasons to save money, and I don’t think our Lord was saying not to do it. 

On the other hand, I find it interesting that Jesus segues into a conversation about worrying right after talking about savings things up and not being able to serve two masters. After all, when we’re saving money up, we’re covered, right? Our future is secure because we’ve got money in the bank. Where’s the trust in that? Is it in the money or is it in the One who gave us the money? 

Anyway, in the subsequent verses, Matthew 6:26-30, Jesus gives examples of how well God takes care of creation. 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

Matthew 6:28-29 (NIV)

In verses 31-33 He reveals a juxtaposition of ideas.

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (emphasis added). )

Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV

Now we can understand why we’re not to worry about tomorrow. When we seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first in our lives, we don’t have to worry about anything. We only need to deal with the affairs of today. Even those troubles aren’t an issue for God, for what does Jesus say about trouble in the world? “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). 

I posit that we should neither procrastinate nor precrastinate because God’s timing is perfect. When we follow Matthew 6:33, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first in our lives, we are following someone who has perfect timing. God is never late or early. Therefore, the best time to do anything is in God’s time, which shouldn’t be a problem to discern when we’re seeking him first.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away. 

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey. 

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