Is Procrastination a Sin?

I'll do it tomorrow!  How many times have we used those four words when we were feeling too lazy to get busy and get things done that needed to be done?  I would define procrastination as the willful act of delaying to do something that must be done.  At times, the thought of having to accomplish a task that seems huge or may be unfamiliar to us, is enough to paralyze us and cause us to do nothing.  The problem is that the task remains out there and it must still get done (at least by someone).  I've found that the task that I least desired to accomplish was never as bad as I thought it was going to be once I got to it.

Have you ever wondered if procrastination was a sin?  What does Scripture have to say about it?  It is not a Greek or Hebrew word that we find in Scripture but we do find principles related to procrastination and I believe that the act or procrastination can lead to sinful actions.  Sometimes procrastination is the result of laziness and Scripture speaks a great deal against laziness (Proverbs 12:24: 13:4).  In fact, all Christians should be diligently motivated to work unto the Lord each and every day.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). 

At times, Scripture is clear that swift action must be taken.  Jesus taught that reconciling with an offended brother should be done immediately upon our remembrance of the situation (Matthew 5:23-25).  Similarly, Paul instructed, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26).  Christians are not to delay in taking the Gospel forward to those who are dying and going to hell; there is no time to waste (Luke 14:21).  To procrastinate and put off getting right with God is to harden one's own heart (Hebrews 3:12-13; 15).  Understanding and believing that Christ is returning is good reason not to put off the things that He has called us to do; we must be ready for His return (Matthew 25:1-13).  

I personally believe that Scripture teaches that at times procrastination could be a sin and that it can certainly lead to sin.  There are many warnings about presuming upon tomorrow.  Time is a gift from God and we must not presume upon His kindness towards us.  Let's tackle the things that He has called us to do.