Charles R. Swindoll writes in his book Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [page 182] the following: “Allow me to introduce a professional thief. Chances are you’d never pick this slick little guy out of a crowd, but many, over the years, have come to regard him as a formidable giant. Quick as a laser and silent as a moonbeam, he can pick any lock. Once inside, his winsome ways will captivate your attentions. You’ll treat him like your best friend. But watch out. He’ll strip you without a blink of remorse. Master of clever logic that he is, the bandit will rearrange the facts just enough to gain your sympathies. When others call his character into question, you’ll find yourself not only believing him, but actually quoting and defending him. Too late, you’ll see through his ruse and give him grudging credit as the shrewdest of all thieves. Some never come to such a realization at all. They stroll to their graves arm-in-arm with the very robber who has stolen away their lives…His name? Procrastination.”
This thief’s specialty is stealing time and incentive. He’ll make off with priceless treasures, leaving cheap substitutes in their place: excuses, rationalizations, empty promises, embarrassment, and guilt. His motto is “Never do today that you can put off ‘til tomorrow”
Let me quote Swindoll again [page 183] – “He can outtalk any student when it comes to homework. He can outthink any executive when it comes to correspondence. He can outwork any homemaker when it comes to vacuuming or doing dishes. He can outlast any parent when it comes to discipline. He can outsmart any salesman when it comes to selling. He has one basic product and he centers all his energy toward that single goal: defeat.”
One of his deceitful tactics is the word “Someday”. This word denotes idle thinking that’s rarely backed up with action. And most good-intentioned people utter it on a regular basis. If you catch yourself at the same place you were last year, pay attention to how well you manufacture excuses and how often you utter the word “someday”.
“How can I win?” you ask. “What’s the secret – the formula – for escaping this thief’s intimidating web? How can I stop the giant from breaking and entering?”
It quite simple…so simple you won’t believe it. All it takes is one word, perhaps the easiest word to utter in our language. Properly used that single syllable carries more weight than a ton of good intentions. The thief cannot endure the sound of it. It sends him running away in frustration. If you use it often enough, he might get tired of hearing it and start leaving you alone.
Curious? I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll tell you the word if you’ll promise to use it next time you’re tempted to listen to this fast-talking crook. I have a warning, however. It may be easy to say, but it will require all the discipline you can muster to mean. To implement it will demand, in fact the power of God Himself.
The word is “Now”.
Proverbs 13:12, 19a (NKJV)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life… A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul…
Well???? Get started! Ah, Hah! I bet when you read that you thought of why later would be a better time to get a start than now, didn’t you? Got some work to do in this area don’t you? Don’t you think this a NOW moment?
Needing to get started TODAY along with you! – Pastor Steve