The Later List
As a pastor, the stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s was a time when I heard and used the word “later” a lot! If I tried to set up a meeting with someone or schedule a committee meeting, the response was usually “Can we do it later?” And for good reason. We are all busy with life – shopping, family, school programs, concerts, parties, company events, etc.
When we use the word later we understand it to be an undefined future moment when we will do something we didn’t have time or bandwidth to deal with in the past. We have good intentions of getting caught up and sorted, but sometimes our “later list” can be lengthy.
That being said, here are some important things that should be considered:
We know later can be a dangerous practice when it comes to things we need to maintain. We need to be good stewards. Things like cars, homes, roads, machinery, furnaces, and the like. Or in Benjamin Franklin’s day – horse shoes!
For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
for want of a shoe the horse was lost;
and for want of a horse the rider was lost;
being overtaken and slain by the enemy,
all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.—Benjamin Franklin, The Way to Wealth
Scripture also teaches us that we shouldn’t put off maintaining relationships until later. Ephesians 4:26-27 is one – “In your anger do not sin: Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
When it comes to finances, we are told to consider the ants who do not put off working until later as they store food in the summer to survive the winter. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:10-11) Balance this work ethic with God’s command to keep the Sabbath.
When it comes to generosity, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Jeff Manion, in his book Satisfied (pg. 134) speaking about contentment and generosity says:
“We don’t say “no,” (to God) we say “later,” and we sincerely mean it. But months become years … And the well-intentioned disciple awakens to discover that decades have passed. And our “later” actually meant “no.”
“It is not only our potential for good that is halted. My sense is that when we refuse to follow God’s clear direction with regard to financial generosity, the refusal can stunt growth in every other area of our discipleship. Refusal to move forward in this region (or any other) will paralyze our maturity. ‘So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin’.” – James 4:17
Knowing the right thing requires us to be in step with the Spirit and to follow what we know to be true from the scriptures. It requires us to sit at the feet of Jesus and not get caught up with the busyness of the occasion. (Mary and Martha)
So, this season be generous to others as you are able and led. This season remember not to overburden yourself with gifts you cannot afford to give. This season commit to being fully present with those who come into your world. This season, do not put off your time alone with God for later.
Do you want to know what my New Year’s resolution is for 2024? To keep my “later list” short.