Procrastination

For two years since my back molar was crowned by the dentist, it has hurt. I adapted by chewing or drinking hot liquids on the other side of my mouth. Sometimes lately, it ached for no apparent reason. I didn't dare tell the dentist, for fear I'd have to get a root canal. I was sure it would get better. Well, actually, I was pretty sure it might not...but I just couldn't tell the dentist. I just couldn't get a root canal!

Yesterday I went to the dentist for my regular cleaning. They took x-rays, and then did the cleaning. The hygienist asked if anything had been bothering me with my teeth as she looked at the x-rays. Ohoh. She saw something. I downplayed the pain, but mentioned it did hurt a little to chew with the tooth crowned two years ago. Then the dentist came, and poked around. He touched someplace on the crown, and I went through the roof. Almost bit off his finger.

"That crown needs to be replaced, and I will do it for free," he said. The x-ray showed the crown was just a touch high on one side, and thus the sensitivity was due to the exposed raw tooth in a small triangular section.
"You will feel much better afterwards, no pain," he promised.

Why hadn't I told him two years ago?

Sometimes we pretend things will get better if we just ignore them - unrepentent sin, bad habits, disobedience, blaming others for our issues...Most serious of all, are we ignoring the call of Christ to believe and follow Him despite continuing display of His power and miracles?  Just like small messes and clutter left unattended become massive, overwhelming piles over time, ignoring what needs to be done as soon as it needs to be done leads to far bigger problems.

If somethings needs doing and it is hard, I guarantee it will be just as hard tomorrow. Do not wait. Especially if the matter involves your eternal salvation and security. In the blink of an eye, the opportunity may vanish.
2 Corinthians 6:2 warns us: For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.


Today. Do that hard thing today.

Proverbs 13:4 

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 12:24 

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 20:4 

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Ephesians 5:15-17 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.