A Million Dollars or a Penny?

Procrastination.  Sometimes I wonder if that is not the best-mastered skill students learn after twelve years of school. (Says the teacher writing this blog assignment on its due date after having ten weeks.)  For the past few months, Pastor Rob has been teaching through the book of Proverbs, and none of the topics were quite so convicting as his recent lessons on procrastination. “Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.” Regarding our relationship with Christ, the verse shows that it is our arrogance and ignorance that cause us to put off the most important thing—coming to Christ as our Savior not just for our salvation but for our daily strength.  So, after years of learning just how long to wait before starting that homework assignment, how do we reset our mindset to the benefits of getting the job done now? Decisions; discipline; consistency.

My college pastor said that our spiritual life is determined by the decisions we make and by the discipline to keep them.  For most, the head part is easy enough; the self-denying, desire-sacrificing discipline aspect is a little harder.  Looking to our greatest example, Luke four shows us what Jesus did when He was greatly tempted. He denied His physical and emotional desires not only by being Spirit-filled in verse one, but also by being filled with the Word of God as he repeatedly rebuked Satan with, “It is written…” Both the Spirit and the Word of God help us stay disciplined.

Earlier this week, I needed Mr. Sumner to cover my sixth grade Bible class while I administered the PSAT.  The next day, I asked my students what they remembered from the previous day.  Although they took a quiz and had a lesson on King David, what stuck with them most was a conversation about choosing a million dollars or a penny doubled every day for a month.  I’ll let you know that the best choice is the penny.  (You can look up how much better the penny is!)  Consistency with a little is often more rewarding than inconsistency with a lot.

What are you putting off? If you are like me, multiple topics come to mind.  So, seek the Spirit’s guidance on what to start today; get into the Word for help in defeating temptations; remember “little is much when God is in it.”