Pastor’s Pen: You need to repent and receive Christ

At some time in our life most of us, if not all of us, are guilty of putting things off until later. In other words we procrastinate. Edward Young said, “Procrastination is the thief of time.”

I had arranged to call with our assistant minister one particular Monday morning. Please note it was a Monday. On arrival I was invited in to be greeted by his young son, Jonathan, who straddled his tricycle. He was wearing his ‘Fireman Sam’ helmet. We chatted as we waited for his dad.

I asked him: “Jonathan, what are you going to do today dressed as a fireman?” He replied: “I’m going to put a fire out.” We continued talking and after a while I said: “Jonathan, what about the fire you are going to put out?” He looked at me for a moment - keep in mind that this was a Monday - and replied: “I’ll put it out on Thursday.” If ever there was a case of procrastination this was it.

Isn’t that so typical of us adults, we put things off until later, often to our cost. There is an example of this in Acts 24 of the New Testament, when the apostle Paul is on trial before the Roman Governor, Felix. Charges have been made against Paul and so he made his defence. In his defence Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come.

He was very pointed in what he said. Paul never proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel in a vacuum, but always in context, the personal context of his hearers. Felix with his particular lifestyle was challenged by what Paul was saying. We read in Acts 24:25 that Felix was afraid and said: “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient I will send for you.”

Felix was troubled in his conscience and needed to believe the Gospel but he put it off - he procrastinated. Although we do read of him sending for Paul again, there is no evidence that he ever turned to Christ and was saved.

When you know that God by His spirit is speaking directly to you about your lifestyle and your need to repent and receive Christ, it is folly to put it off.

In 2 Corinthians Ch6 Paul says: “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of Salvation.” Seize the opportunity God gives you.