Commonalities...

Sloth...

My husband and I share so many common interests. We love nature, the ocean, hiking, basketball, softball, and, of course, our grandson. With a few exceptions, we enjoy the same television shows and nature documentaries. We would rather go to a National or State Park than a cruise. We love Sunday School because it is scripture-by-scripture teaching, and we love worship time. With service, He has his areas and I have mine. But one of the major things we share is our procrastination when it comes to something we are not sure about or know will be hard. I think it is a toss-up as to who is the worst procrastinator in our home. He hates anything plumbing related and I hate taxes. I don't dislike taxes because they are hard. Taxes aren't hard, I can do them easily. I dislike taxes because I know that it is time-consuming and boring. Now, when it is something we enjoy then turn us loose.

In our Women's Bible Study class on Sunday night, we are studying Haggai. Haggai called Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the governor of Judah together to rebuke them for their lack of work on the temple. Haggai 1:1-11. Was procrastination the people's problem? Yes, they were putting off rebuilding the temple. They were procrastinating. They had no problem with rebuilding their own homes, but rebuilding the temple was lower on their priority list. They had a priority problem. It wasn't something they were "all-in" for doing and they procrastinated. That is the way I am with taxes. My priorities are not in the right place.

Ephesians 5:15-17 states, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." The Bible warns us about slothfulness and laziness. That is procrastination. Am I guilty? Oh, yes! I am guilty of putting off what is hard and not making that a priority. I am guilty of putting aside the work that I may not be confident with. I am guilty of avoiding what I am unsure of and moving other things in place of anything that is uncomfortable.

Today I will remember that something that is uncomfortable leaves room for growth. Things that I am unsure about lead me to trust in Him more. If I am weak, He is strong. I love how God reminds me of His will in the strangest ways. Yes, today, I will work on the taxes.