Slow: Five Minute Friday

When I Hear the word “Slow”, I Think about Three Things

The first thing my brain recalls is the repeated phrase in the scriptures that the Lord is slow to anger. Far too many wrongly think God is more like Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Dirty Harry, when he says to a criminal, with gun pointed, “Go ahead, make my day.” That isn’t the God of the scriptures. God isn’t willing that any perish. However, there is a qualifier. He wants us to repent and accept the gift he offers. (See the word “today” in Hebrews 3:7-12).

The second thing I think of is related to investing. There are many wanting to invest in Bitcoins or another cryptocurrency. Others are chasing Game Stop stock to make a killing. Some go to Las Vegas or buy multiple lottery tickets. Proverbs 13:11 has this reminder and warning: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Little-by-little gathering may be slow, but it is more powerful and certain than the alternatives.

The third thing I think of is my Dad and working on a project. He told me more than once, “Measure twice, cut once.” This might seem to slow you down, but more often than not, it saves aggravation, materials, and time. The Proverbs have something to say about this too: “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” Proverbs 13:1

Procrastination is Sinister Slowness

However, there is a flip side to the equation. When it comes to projects around the home, I can be slow. However, that slowness isn’t necessarily good. There is something called procrastination that can eat away time and opportunity. Fortunately, my wife is very patient, like the Lord, and accepts even just tiny bits of evidence that I will make progress on the bathroom project, the kitchen project and the front hallway project. These pictures illustrate a tiny bit of slowness in two of the projects. There is progress, but it is SLOW.

However, don’t think you have until tomorrow to seek the Lord. That is why the author of Hebrews says “today!”

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.