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Repent and Replace

Decision Making· Habits & Routines

24 Apr

Fellow former procrastinators, what does it mean to “bear fruits worthy of repentance”? Since sharing the list of ways I’m impelled to turn from procrastination to Christ (I Repent! April 17, 2016), I’ve been thinking of those words from Matthew 3:8 (NKJV). What do they mean? Looking it up, I find “bear fruits in keeping with repentance” (ESV). Here’s the context of the phrase:

Pharisees and Sadducees – both opposed Jesus – went to see Him baptized. He responded, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Through His grace and mercy, God draws us to Christ. He is all we trust in. Since “repent” means to turn and go the other way, there should be evidence in my behavior that my heart now belongs to Jesus. That’s how love for Him is revealed.

Trusting in Christ’s mercy means action follows. My behavior is different from before. My path and ways take me in His direction.

Remember these? “Ponder the path of your feet” (Proverbs 4:26) and “Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes.” (Psalm119:5).

As I review my list of “repents,” I see most are habits I have developed. Maybe that’s true for you, too.

Research shows that we cannot drop a habit. We have to replace it. That’s an excellent example of repentance! Wonder how to repent? Replace!

Change from going to bed at 11 pm to going at 10. Swap two servings of carbs for two servings of vegetables. Refuse to leave a flier on the counter, so place it in the tickler file.

From my list of repents, I’ll share some action I am now taking as I direct my ways toward Christ and my feet (behaviors) take me on a new road.

Instead of defaulting to procrastination, I am much quicker (far from perfect) to do what needs doing when it needs doing. Sometimes I never write a job on a do list because I do it as soon as I learn the need. (Amazing!)

Instead of wishing for time to focus on priorities, I now reserve four mornings weekly for priority tasks including procrastination work and exercise. I work on something priority before breakfast.

Instead of collecting more stuff, I avoid buying or going where there’s temptation. I fill a giveaway bag and deliver it every few weeks.

Instead of staying stuck in need, I have questions for someone whose counsel would help me. I’ve gotten her number and scheduled a call.

I still have a lot of repenting to do. That means there’s more fruit-evidence ahead – and more peace and joy! We replace procrastination with doing what needs doing when it needs doing. Scroll down this page and see the ant’s reminder. Procrastination prevents godly fruit; diligence promotes it.

Praise God for the fruit-evidence in your life that demonstrates your heart change!

What specific procrastination behavior have you repented of and what did you replace it with?

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2 Comments

« I Repent!
The Joy of Not Owning »

Comments

  1. Phyllis Sergent says

    April 25, 2017 at 6:46 am

    You have directed my scripture reading this morning. Thank you precious friend.
    Ephesians 4:22-24
    that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

    Romans 6:6
    knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

    Galatians 5:16-18
    But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      April 25, 2017 at 3:12 pm

      Phyllis, this is great! Don’t you love it when God brings to mind additional scriptures that speak together? The way scripture is interwoven and interrelated is fascinating and helpful. What wonderful references you’ve pointed out! May we walk in the light, free from control of the flesh, renewed in our spirits!

      Reply

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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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Julia F.

"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."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“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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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.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“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.”

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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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