Does the title of this blog sound silly?   Let me tell you how it came about.  I was visiting with a friend and we were talking about how at times God seems so slow in answering our prayers but when the answer comes, “its right on time”.   Then the conversation turned to how slow we are in answering God.  Then she made another statement in regard to our slowness, which I thought was very interesting.  She said, “Slow obedience is no obedience”.   That really just stuck in my mind and I’ve been thinking on it from time to time.  Sometimes being slow is a good thing; like being slow to anger; or slow to criticize, but slow to obey is another thing.

Have you thought that slow obedience can turn into denial?    Please understand we are not talking about those times we have to re-arrange our schedule and put something off until the following week because something unexpected happens.  We are talking about a spirit that has such a hold on us we cannot see ourselves as a functioning servant in the Body of Christ.  This turns into denying Christ in our lives.  This ongoing procrastination, or slow obedience, keeps us from living the life God has planned for us.  We are talking about those times when we just continually put off stepping out in faith and follow God.  We have all been guilty of this at some point in our life, but to live there continuously is denying God’s Power to work in us and through us to change us into His Image.

Ask yourself, “Is my slow obedience – really saying no –  is it a form of denial in disguise?   Procrastination can be a big problem and we don’t always recognize it.  In the work place it might keep us from getting a promotion because we don’t complete projects on time or with excellence.  In our homes it may cause strife because we don’t keep up with the yard or laundry, even in preparing meals, or remember the car-pooling list.  The list can go on and on, and include how we manage our money too; putting off paying a bill until the very last minute, and then maybe causing late fees.   This result of procrastination is easily seen in our lives; but what about those times when we think our behavior is invisible.  You know; those times when you just don’t say or do anything regarding a request to volunteer or to help someone in need.  These are the times I want to concentrate on.  These are times when we make excuses to not take our place in the Body of Christ.  If this is happening, then we are allowing our flesh to rule – based on selfishness, rather than the Spirit of God to rule – based on trust in HIM.  We rationalize that we don’t have time or that someone else can do the job better, especially when it comes to volunteering at church.  However God is looking for availability more than ability.  He makes up for what we lack.

Every once in awhile we need to examine our hearts and motives to make sure they are lined up with the Word of God.  God has something for each of us to do; a purpose, a calling, and a race to run.  He had it planned before any of us were born.  He usually has to wait on us to get our commitment “hats” on before He can move in our lives and accomplish and perfect what He wants to do through us and in us.  He is ready; the question is, are you and I ready?

What do we do?  I’m glad you asked.  Well, what does the Bible say?     James 4:17 tells us that, “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”   The devil uses procrastination or slow obedience in our lives to keep us from doing the will of God.  So our victory over procrastination is to recognize it for what it truly is: sin.  Once we recognize it as an enemy then we know what to do.   We apply 1 John 1:9 to our lips of confession, believing that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We need to believe that God has set us free from the darkness of procrastination and its negative input in our lives.  We need to believe that God has set us free to walk in His Glorious Light and do the works He has created us to do.

Please note that we are NOT saved by works but saved to Do good works.  

Scriptures to help you study:

James 4:17   when we know to do good (obey) and don’t it, it is a sin

1 Samuel 15:22   obedience is better than sacrifice (obedience is better than always asking for forgiveness)

Isaiah 1:19  when we are willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land

1 John 1:9  confess our sin to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Luke 16:10   When we are faithful in little things we will be faithful in much

Ephesians 2:10   we are His workmanship; created in Christ Jesus unto good works