Put Off Procrastination

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Deceitful Lusts

Oops Occasions

19 Sep

Definitely slothful. Yep, this former procrastinator was a full-fledged sluggard last week. It started innocently. I was the good kind of tired from a family trip to the beach and the bad kind of tired from some jaw pain. (No, not from talking too much!) A day of rest was appropriate.

There’s a difference between genuine rest and blowing several days in piddling around. Day one was profitable rest with sleep and helpful reading; thereafter, I opted for worthless piddling. It made me feel worse.

But I am teachable and God is still smiling while He corrects my course. I’m getting my feet back on the path. I must stay alert – there are many opportunities to lose my way.

How did I stray? By giving in to deceitful lusts. In this case, mostly hanging out on the computer looking up harmless “stuff” – like houses. (We’re not moving.) Giving myself over to that behavior ate up hours I needed and wanted for better things. I caved in to emotion and opted for what I wanted in the moment instead of what I wanted more. I fell prey to deceitful lusts.

Ephesians 4:22-23 – “‚Ķput off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind‚Ķ.” Put off the old man (who procrastinates) and put on the new (who reflects God’s holiness and righteousness by doing what needs doing when it needs doing). Giving in to deceitful lusts takes me farther from the Lord and His path.

What are deceitful lusts? Things that appeal to me and lure me with promises of relief, enjoyment, or benefit. The problem is those “promises” are lies. Every time I follow the beckoning finger, I regret it.

Tailor-made to the individual, deceitful lusts are one of the most effective tools of our enemy. The devil seeks whom he may devour. How convenient for him to watch us eagerly leave the path in pursuit of some fake or passing joy. How delightful for the enemy when he sees us move deeper into the woods, away from our God-given destination. How easy for him to consume us when we are trapped.

Here are some deceitful lusts I have to fight:

Inertia – It’s just too hard to get up and put on my pj’s or make that call.

Computer – A whole bundle of lures! Google searches, FB, email, news, favorite sites ‚Ķ

Cell phone – Another bundle. Texting, photos, conversations, searches

TV – “I’m just turning it on for company.” “I need some down time.”

False reasoning – “I have all month to do that.” “If I hurry I can do both.” “I’m only taking five minutes.”

Food, books, magazines – even chores – Promise me delight and divert me from where I should focus.

Being alert – knowing what draws us away – is a first defense for staying safely on the path.

What deceitful lusts stalk you?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
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“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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