Pitfalls of Procrastination
This morning I was discussing with someone about a critically ill friend from a previous church affiliation. I mentioned how Debbie and I had been talking about needing to go by and see him before he got any worse. I had no more than just gotten home and checked email to learn that Joe had passed away very early this morning. You can imagine the sick feeling in my stomach. How could we be too “busy” to make such an important visit? There simply is no excuse. I will have to live with my neglect.
Joe had been an elder in the church where I served for several years. He had stepped down at age 75. Two phrases in Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding the qualities an elder of the church must possess jump out at me concerning Joe. He absolutely had all of the qualifications necessary. “Gentle, not quarrelsome”, (I Timothy 3:3) is in the midst of the list of requirements for elders. I immediately think of Joe Bryson as one of the most gentle, kind men I have ever known. He would go out of his way to avoid being quarrelsome. His wonderful wife, Bobbye, is the same type of person. His children and grandchildren are exemplary human beings. Simply put, Joe was the very definition of what any Christian should be.
I beg the forgiveness of his family and that of God as well. Procrastination is not bad in and of itself. We need to think before we act most times. However, like any other sin, when allowed to get out of control it is just plain wrong. James said in chapter 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Joe, Bobbye and all the family, I know you would likely say something like: “that’s alright; I know you had good intentions and you are busy like most other people.” I will seek you out in eternity, Joe, and say I’m sorry, I love you!
Would you pray for this family in the coming days? Pray for me too.
Humbled and grieved I am:
Mike
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