The more we understand our reasons for procrastinating, the better we can develop a game plan to defeat the mañana habit.
— John Maxwell

I learned my lesson about procrastination early. Every Sunday afternoon of my childhood, my father assigned weekly chores to my brother, sister, and me. Some were daily jobs and others, like sweeping the basement floor, were weekly.

One Sunday Dad set a new policy. "You can do your weekly chores anytime you want. But Saturday afternoon we'll do something as a family. We'll go shopping or swimming or picnicking. But if your chores aren't done by Saturday noon, you won't get to come."

When the next Saturday noon rolled around, my chore wasn't done. My dad kept his word. I watched out the living room window as the family car pulled out of the driveway, and my dad, mom, brother, and sister went for a day at the beach.

We pastors are tempted to put off tough but necessary tasks. We need to confront a member about gossiping, but that could get ugly, so we visit ...