Morning Journal
I Thessalonians 5:3
‘While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.’
This verse is addressing the mindset of the unbeliever at the end. They will be in a comfortable place. Nothing will be happening that would stir their suspicion that the end is near.
It’s at this period of calm that the end will come. It will be a complete contrast of events. Paul uses the analogy of labor pains. All is well one moment, then the pains come. The lady was going about her daily tasks without any thought of delivery. It’s going to be a surprise.
Many unbelievers plan to believe when necessary. They know Jesus is the way, but they don’t want to change their lifestyle. However, they also know that to be without the Lord, means punishment in the afterlife. So, their plan is to accept Christ when they’re older.
This is procrastination. We all do this in some areas. We learn to manage our tasks and time right up to the deadline. This is very common in school. We would wait until the last night to do a project. Sometimes we would finish with acceptable quality, other times it would be poor. The worst result is we miss the opportunity.
Maturity drives some of this procrastination out of us. Particularly when we begin working. We get feedback that usually produces a change. However, this doesn’t carry over to all areas of our lives. Just because the procrastination stops or is limited at work doesn’t mean it isn’t in our social relationships or in areas of faith.
Lord, help us to have a solid relationship with You. Help us not to put off the important. We pray for the faith procrastinators in our lives. May they come to You.