We mistakenly go through life as though nothing will ever change, until it does. We hold off making decisions or engaging in necessary conversations for a future date which may never occur. We quickly read the names of characters in the Bible, often not taking the time to know anything else about them. Today we will read about Governor Felix and his second wife, Drusilla. Drusilla was much younger than Felix. When she heard Paul's defense and presentation of the gospel, she was only 19 years old. We read in Acts 24:24-25, "And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you." We read in 24:27, "But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound." This all sounds harmless enough. They heard the gospel message. It actually stirred their hearts and convicted them. But it didn't seem like the right time to make a decision. A couple of years later, at the age of 21, the young and beautiful Drusilla went to Pompeii for a shopping spree. She had no idea that Vesuvius was about to erupt. She died that day under a mound of burning lava. She never realized that for her, that even though only 21, her procrastination in accepting the gospel truth would have such eternal consequences. But such is the sin of procrastination. They were convicted and even afraid, but chose not to make a decision, instead waiting for a convenient time. She deferred the most important decision in her life.

The other main character in this little story was Paul. We read in Ephesians 4:15, that we are always to "speak the truth in love", and Paul did just that. He spoke the gospel truth to whoever was placed before him. He didn't consider the ramifications. He didn't flatter the governor, as Tertullus did in Acts 24:1-9, trying to win him over. He didn't bribe the governor, even though he certainly could have obtained the monies necessary to do so (We read in Acts 24:26 that Felix was hoping for a bribe, which is part of the reason for delaying Paul's release). No, as always, Paul presented the truth, no matter the consequences to himself personally. The gospel message was his commission, and this message was always on the tip of his tongue. This is why after his presentation of the facts surrounding his case and the gospel truth, Paul was able to conclude his words in 24:16, "This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." Notice Paul's words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:26-28, "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Paul’s conscience was clear since he didn’t delay or compromise the truth.

For there is salvation in only One Name, and that is the name of Jesus Christ. If your eternity is secure, then who has God put in your sphere to present this gospel truth to? Are you sizing up others as to who might listen and who might not? Are you waiting for that perfect time and perfect scenario which might never occur? Are you falling prey to the sin of procrastination, not really knowing when others might perish at an unexpected time? If you have never made a decision for Jesus Christ, what are you waiting for? Do you not realize that we have no idea what is before us this day? Though God knows exactly how and when we will die; we do not. I urge you to make the most important decision of your life. Nothing fancy must be done. Simply admit that you are the sinner that you are and repent to God. Once you have decided to follow Jesus and turn from your sin accept the grace that flows from the blood of Jesus. The freedom that we have not earned, but that He offers us, the undeserved recipients of His grace. Please don't delay. Please don't procrastinate. As believers, knowing this truth, we can only utter those words that Paul did, if we choose not to procrastinate. Paul stated that he had a clear conscience before God and man, because he spoke the gospel truth and he did not procrastinate in delivering this message to anyone with ears to hear.