Passivity, Procrastination, and Peril

Have you ever watched a difficult situation play out and known it could have been prevented? I have. I am currently experiencing one such situation. As I type, I am waiting for my children to awaken so I can tell them our second litter of kittens did not make it through the night.

Just over a year ago, our children requested kittens. My husband and I relented and allowed our daughter to get two kittens from a friend at school. We requested the kittens be males. We planned to do the responsible thing and have the cats fixed to prevent lots of kittens at neighboring houses as soon as they were old enough. (I preferred male cats to female cats because the vet fee for the males to be fixed is much more affordable- I am always looking for the cheapest route)

When the kittens arrived, we were assured the kittens were males. I took a good look at those kittens and I just couldn’t determine if they were truly males or not. I searched the internet for information on sex identification in cats. A second, third, and really numerous examinations of those kittens left me concerned. I voiced my belief that the kittens might be female but didn’t expend the effort or the money to load them up in the car and take them to the vet.

Spring passed and summer arrived. I still couldn’t find any signs of maleness on those kittens. Every once in a while I would make the statement “I think those cats are female!” and my husband would chuckle. In no time at all a year had passed and spring was upon us once again. By now I knew those cats were females and I started talking about getting them to the veterinarians.

Although I talked, I didn’t act soon enough. Those young cats became young mothers with rounded bellies. I was not pleased at the thought of finding homes for soon arriving kittens and I still had to look forward to a hefty bill from the vet in a few weeks. I would have those cats fixed to prevent a second round of mothering.

The first cat had just one kitten which was stillborn earlier in the week. The second cat had three beautiful kittens, but they did not live past the first day. I know my children will be heartbroken. I am saddened for them, but I am angry at myself. The pain they are experiencing today could have been prevented if I had not been passive about the situation. It could have been prevented if I had not procrastinated.

The pain my family is experiencing this week is small when compared to other tragedies that are possible in this life. My mind recalls a teen mother that I know who is struggling with guilt, shame, and rejection by her family. I know of women and men who have allowed lust to lead them down a road they never dreamt they would travel. I know parents who watch as their children turn and walk away from God.

Much of our difficulty and pain are brought on by decisions we make along the path of life. God calls us to holiness. This separation unto God is for our benefit. It protects us from the sin that eventually leads to pain and heartache. Holiness doesn’t result from passivity. If you intend to live a life that is pleasing to God, you must live it intentionally. When you recognize an area of weakness or a propensity toward sin, you must act immediately. The devil never fights fair. His goal is your spiritual death and he will do everything he can to win the battle. A pursuit of holiness places you in step with your Commander In Chief. You are most protected when you fight the battle next to His side.

In addition, God calls us to stand as a guard at the watchtower. When you see those you love heading in the wrong direction, please do not procrastinate. The devil wars for their soul as well. Reach out to them in love. Pray in earnest and the Spirit will guide your actions and your speech. Encourage them to pursue holiness.

My friend, passivity and procrastination lead to peril. Holiness is a heart set on God in everything you do. Pursue holiness with renewed vigor. It is well worth the effort. The benefits are eternal. Live intentionally for Him!

You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. Leviticus 20:26 [NIV]