“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call to Him while He is near. Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one abandon his thoughts; let him return to the LORD so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.”   Isaiah 55:6-7 HCSB

Our Scripture passage comes from Isaiah. He is speaking to the Israelites warning of impending captivity if they do not return to the LORD. He encourages them to turn to God before it’s too late.

Why do we procrastinate? When we have something that needs to be done why do we put it off? It’s not going to go away. Chances are someone is not going to step in and do it for us, so why don’t we just get it done.

I often compare our salvation to dieting. In both cases, we may have to give up things we think we like, only to find that the peace and joy we get from giving up harmful habits far outweigh any pleasure we get from them. I know there are things I need to give up or at least cut way back on in my diet. But, recently I have realized that I am always going to start my diet on Monday. Just a couple days ago, I thought, “Why Monday?” What does Monday have to do with it? If we are going to eat healthy, the day of the week shouldn’t matter right? Why not right now?

I think the answer is because by putting it off we can continue in our errant ways for a few more days. Who knows, by Monday we might have even talked ourselves out of all that foolishness, right? We put things off because we lack the total commitment to get them done. We know it needs to be done, but we don’t really want to do it.

The Bible tells us that with our salvation, we must not procrastinate. The time is now. We are told in Revelation 1:3, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 3:11 says, “I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.  Revelation 22:7 says, “And, behold I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” Read these words, there is an urgency here. Jesus wants us to understand the time is now. It’s not when football season is over. It’s not when hunting season is over. It’s not when you retire. It’s right now.

I put off dieting because I clutch my Cheetos, Brownies and Dr. Pepper like a big security blanket. They taste good, I like to eat them. But, they are not good for me. We cling to our sin in the same way. We like it. It makes us feel good for a little while. So, we hold on afraid to let go.

My friend, the only thing we should be holding onto is the outstretched hand of our Lord and Savior. We need to cling to Jesus Christ. He is our lifeline. He gives us salvation and eternal life. You can’t have your hands full of sin and grab onto Him. You have to let that sin go. He will gladly help you do that, all you have to do is ask.

If you are truly willing to let your sin go, do it now. Don’t say, “I’ll start my new life on Sunday.” Sunday may be too late. Now is the time to turn to Him. The Bible tells us in James 4:7-8, “Therefore resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, purify your hearts, double-minded people!”

If we try to survive on food that is not good for us, we have all kinds of health problems. Our bodies don’t work as well as they should. If we try to live sinful lives, our souls become troubled.

If you know your relationship with Jesus Christ is not all it should be, what are you waiting for? Are you putting it off till next week, next month, or even next year? Are you telling yourself there’s plenty of time and you will have a little more fun, then repent and turn to Christ? Better be careful. Our obituaries are filled with people of all ages, many in their teens and early twenties. I wonder how many of them thought they had more time?

My friend, the time is now. There is nothing you are clinging to that will bring you as much peace and joy as a good, solid relationship with Jesus Christ. Let go and surrender yourself to Him. You will never regret it. Don’t put it off.

Have a great day!