I am not sure that anyone is free of moments of procrastination. When we consider the definition we can see this clearly. Procrastination is delaying or refraining from an action until sometime in the future. As a definition is does not appear to be a bad thing, since so much can happen that would cause us to delay here or there. However, when procrastination becomes a habit, then it becomes dangerous, and according to the Bible, the sin of sloth and or laziness. In a word, sluggard. Here is a way in which the Proverbs describes the sluggard as a procrastinator
"How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a
little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest," (Proverbs 6:9–10).
Sleep is not to be viewed here as merely the hours our bodies need for rest. It can refer to that, but in the Proverbs is has a heightened parabolic meaning referring to one who sleeps on opportunities. In essence, it is one who sees opportunities before them but, instead of going after them, they convince themselves that tomorrow is more suitable for that action than today. So, the one who will not arise from sleep is not one who is inactive. Rather, he is one who chooses convenience over opportunity. This is an important feature that we must not miss.
Too often we see the sluggard and laziness as one lounging on the coach and doing nothing. That is one aspect of the picture but not the truest expression of it. The sluggard is a very active individual, but they are active, primarily, according to their own desires and cravings at the moment. What they feel at the moment matters more than anything or anyone else. If the momentary craving has a stronger pull than the opportunity before them (and for the sluggard, the craving is always stronger) they will sleep on the opportunity.
It is not that the sluggard does not see the opportunity and its value to him, others and to the kingdom of God. It is just too much for him. The problem is that such opportunities always feel like huge demands on his time and life. They are simply an inconvenience to him. Kidner notes,
When we ask him (6:9, 10) ‘How long …?’ ‘When …?’, we are being too definite for him. He
doesn’t know. All he knows is his delicious drowsiness; all he asks is a little respite: ‘a little … a
little … a little …’. He does not commit himself to a refusal, but deceives himself by the
smallness of his surrenders. So, by inches and minutes, his opportunity slips away.[1]
(emphasis mine)
Think about your life and, specifically, your life in the Lord. Consider the vast amount of ministry opportunities presented to you. This could be speaking engagements, evangelizing, assisting others in need, etc. Then evaluate how often you said yes and how often you chose to sleep (proverbially or real) on said opportunities. Choosing self over the Savior is always to choose the way of the sluggard.
Having this sin of laziness graciously exposed by the Lord is a good thing even though it hurts at the same time. How we respond, however, proves whether we are acting like the sluggard or not. If we move to repent and change at the moment of the exposure, this is healthy and good. If, however, we ponder, wait and or deem it something that can be done later, we would be behaving like the sluggard.
Ironically, the man who wrote this proverb challenging us away from the sluggard lifestyle, just happens to be the wisest person on earth: Solomon. So let me end with a word from him. I will elaborate on this verse in due course, but let it marinate as a contrast to what has just been said:
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or
knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Do not live in sluggardom by putting off to tomorrow that which your hand finds to do today.
[1] Kidner, D. (1964). Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 17, p. 39). InterVarsity Press.
So, no concept of