“Don’t Wait To Do Something”

While Jon Rahm won the Masters golf tournament Sunday, Texas A&M amateur golfer, Sam Bennett also made national headlines.

Reuters reported that Bennett has tattooed on his forearm, “Don’t wait to do something.”

Apparently these were his father’s last words before he died of Alzheimer’s in 2021.

Sam tells the story that just prior to his Dad’s death, he indicated he wanted to write down something since he was unable to speak. It would be his final words of advice to his son.

“He wrote it out, it took him like 15 minutes to write it, it was probably the hardest thing he’s had to do in his handwriting,” Bennett shared. “It’s like a new pre-shot routine I do now, right before I’m about to hit it, I’ll look at it and I’m like, ‘don’t wait to do something.’ It’s something that will always stick, and he means the world to me.”

Forbes Magazine relates the story with the headline “Why Sam Bennett’s Simple Tattoo Holds The Key To Effective Leadership.”

The Forbes article applies this principle to leadership in the business world. However, it obviously has great application in all of life, especially in our spiritual pursuits.

Last night in my sermon, I mentioned three toxic behaviors that impede our progress from reaching forward and pressing toward the heavenly prize (Phil. 3:13-14). One of those behaviors is procrastination.

In his book, “That’s Life,” Dee Bowman called it “putoffitis.” Dee offered this explanation.

There is a common disease among Christians which I have chosen to call Putoffitis. It is the tendency to put things off, to wait until later, to procrastinate. The things involved are ofttimes things that are important and need immediate attention, sometimes urgent attention. Like a lot of itises, it’s something all of us suffer from time to time. Like many health problems, one of the best ways to combat this subtle but pervasive disease is to be aware of its symptoms and catch it early.”

The Bible challenges us to do what we know we need to do and do it now. “Today is the day of salvation,” Paul penned (2 Cor. 6:2). Three times in Hebrews chapter 3 the writer exhorted his readers to hear God’s voice, heed his warnings, and obey His word–”Today” (Heb. 3:7,13,15).

Furthermore, the Preacher of old who observed what is good in life advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl. 9:10).

The wise man counseled ““Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1).

To first century Christians, and to all of us by implication and application, the apostle admonished “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16)

Our theme this year, “Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth,” offers some action oriented steps you can take toward your spiritual growth every Monday. We’ve received good response from its contents. But what about its application in your life? The virtue is not in just enjoying a devotional blog, or even being inspired by it, but it is in the doing of something. And doing it now.

Through the years of ministry, we’ve heard these and similar laments from Christians of all ages.

“I know I need to do better…”

“I ought to begin a daily Bible reading program…”

“I need to get back to regular church attendance…”

I need to improve my prayer life…”

“I ought to get more involved in the work of the church…”

“I know I’m not growing like I should…”

“I wish I could….”

The list goes on ad nauseam. And it almost always ends with either an excuse why the action can’t begin right now, or an indefinite time to begin.

Life Coach, Marc Chernoff, says that procrastination is a “vicious cycle” of waiting for the perfect conditions to begin. He advises, The best thing you can do for yourself is to break this cycle – stop saying “I wish,” start saying “I will,” and then go do something about it.”

Author, physician and philosopher Debasish Mridha, offered this simple recommendation. “Don’t wait longer. It is always the right time for the right action.”

You don’t have to tattoo it on your forearm, but I recommend you imbibe Sam Bennett’s motto in your mind and heart, “Don’t Wait To Do Something.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman