"An Old Saying in Reverse"

“An Old Saying in Reverse”

 

A bit of down-home wisdom (credited by many to Benjamin Franklin) tells us, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Coupled with a maritime adage from early 18^th century France, “A stitch in time saves nine”, we have some sound advice to take care of what needs to be done sooner rather than later to save time, effort, and money. Think of how our lives would change if we took this seriously, especially while waiting on the post office line on the evening of April 15.

Many of us, however, yours truly included, have by our practice turned this suggestion around to read, “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” While this has its humorous side, experience tells us it can inconvenience or negatively impact others as well as ourselves. Karen once worked at a veterinary clinic which had a sign prominently posted in the waiting area reading, “Lack of planning on your part doesn’t create an emergency on our part.” Put another way, procrastination often brings unfavorable consequences.

Years ago I brought a message on this subject and found Scripture gives several reasons for this practice:

  Because of conditions. “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore he will beg    in harvest, and have nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4, KJV).

  Because of covetousness. In response to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him a man asked that he be allowed to bury his father. Many commentators believe his motive was to safeguard his inheritance (Luke 9:59-60).

  Because of convenience. When the Roman Governor Felix heard Paul’s message he said, “That’s enough…When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (Acts 24:25).

While we don’t know the end results of these incidents each brought the strong possibility of an unwanted outcome.

But as with many areas of life God calls for balance. Jesus used two “counting the cost” parables (Luke 14:28-33) to teach us not to be foolhardy but consider the possible impact before acting (see my previous article “Unneeded Exercise”). So I must ask myself: Is my inaction merely delaying what needs to be dealt with or genuinely seeking God’s direction? The answer will determine the order in which I place today and tomorrow and if I heed Ol’ Ben’s sage counsel.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan