Part II: Good Point! But I’ll Have to Think About It Awhile… Maybe Tomorrow

All of these insights accomplish absolutely nothing unless our strength, which is the sum of all our ability to influence events around us, is exerted at the moment of decision.  You look at that list of stuff you have to do and you decide, “I’ll do it now.”  Faith without works is dead.  Good intentions are not enough.  Saying “Yes” to God without following through only heaps up more guilt and shame.  “Later” is not guaranteed.  You may not live to see another day.  And in a sense, “later” will never really arrive because we must always take action in the moment that is present.  We live forever in a place called “now”.  That is why the author of Hebrews pushes the point, “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”  All action must be taken “today”.

Be Strong! Take Action!

What we are talking about requires strength, the fourth aspect of loving God.  The kingdom of God, like all kingdoms, can only be established and maintained by some kind of force—but in this case it is not the force of guns, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.  God’s kingdom is one of liberty because its power is primarily the force of self-discipline motivated by sacrificial love.  “The kingdom of God,” Jesus said, “is taken by force.” (Matt. 11:12).  Only the forceful are able to deny themselves and lay hold of it.  This is the strength that is needed in order for us to overcome procrastination and follow through with our plans to accomplish our goals and so fulfill our life purpose.  This point is made very clearly by the Apostle Paul to one of the most athletic and competitive cities in the ancient world.  Corinth was the sight of the second largest organized Games at that time.

Only the Olympic Games were larger or better known.  To this “No pain, no gain” audience Paul writes, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).  The Christian life requires the strength of self-discipline.

Join the 2% Who Get Things Done

Out of 100 people today, surveys show that only 67 are likely to have defined goals, goals they can explain.  Of those who do, only 10 have made realistic plans to accomplish their goals.  And of those 10, only two have the self-discipline to follow through with their plans and actually succeed.  In other words, 98% of all the people you meet each day lack the integrity to live out what they believe.  Heart, soul, mind and strength do not line up in their lives.  Satan, the god of this world, has blinded the hearts of those who do not believe the Gospel.  And without faith, they can have no passionate purpose or goals.  Nothing to serve as an anchor for their souls and minds, only a perpetual drifting on the tides of culture and circumstance.

The question is, “Are you still drifting aimlessly along with this crowd?”  As a Christian, you certainly don’t have to.  By responding in faith to God’s Word, you can experience His transforming power.  Begin by renouncing procrastination as a sin.  “Boast not yourself of tomorrow.”  Do whatever you have to do, today!  Rededicate yourself to really obeying the Greatest Commandment.  In doing so you will bring all four aspects of your personality into line with His will.  That alone will allow you to make wiser and more effective use of your time.  You can be part of the two percent who act consistently with what they believe.

It’s never easy to make the most of your time.  It’s always easier to “cut yourself some slack” by taking another break and putting off your work for later.  But of course, that’s why they call ‘em “slackers”.

Appropriate Goals for Teens

The teenage years are primarily years of preparation.  The wise teenager will establish goals, make plans and follow through in each of the following areas: Spiritual – Establish habits of Prayer, Bible Study, Church Attendance, and Ministry.  Emotional – Develop passion about what you believe is truly important—God, souls, relationships, family, liberty, virtue, art, etc….  Intellectual –  Develop study skills —language arts, basic math & communication skills as well as academic skills and knowledge.  The Liberal Arts are literally Arts of Freedom.  Vocational – Learn homemaking, interpersonal skills, office equipment skills, entrepreneurial-ism, management and any vocational skills needed for your career.  Physical – Establish good habits and routines related to nutrition, athletics, hobbies, and personal grooming.

GREGG HARRIS is a former public school slacker who is now serving God as Director of the Noble Institute and teaching a time management seminar whenever he finds the time.