Daily Bread - 24th June 09

although 24th was yesteray, this is still worth it to take a look...

Postponement Problems

READ: Romans 12:4-13

We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. -Romans 12:4

Many of us struggle with them-postponement problems. A professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta studied the problem of procrastination for 5 years and reported that 95 percent of us put off doing one thing or another. One estimate showed that Americans lose approximately $400 million a year by putting off filing taxes! Because of fear of failure or other insecurities, we wait and wait before starting a project or making a decision.

Procrastination is a problem in the church too. Many of us postpone serving God. We know we should reach out to others, but we feel insecure or worried about what to do. Because we're unsure of our gifts or interests, we put off our involvement in the church. We worry, What if I do a poor job? What if I find out I can't even do it?

Romans 12 gives us some encouragement. Serving starts with presenting ourselves to God as "a living sacrifice" (v.1). Pray and give yourself anew to the Lord and His work. Then look around! at what others are doing in your church and ask if you can join in. Start small if you need to, and try a number of things.

Your church needs you. Ask God to help you overcome your postponement problems. -Anne Cetas

Don't put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;
Postponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way. -Hess

For a healthier church, exercise your spiritual gifts.