Punctualitythe quality or habit of adhering to an
appointed time; strict observance in
keeping engagements, promptness;
antonym: tardiness.
"Promptitude is not only a duty, but
is also a part of good manners; it is
favorable to fortune, reputation,
influence, and usefulness; a little
attention and energy will form the
habit, so as to make it easy and
delightful.“
-Charles Simmons
"I give it as my deliberate and
solemn conviction that the
individual who is habitually tardy in
meeting an appointment, will never
be respected or successful in life."
- W. Fisk
"Punctuality is one of the cardinal
business virtues: always insist on it in
your subordinates."
- Don Marquis
"I owe all my success in life to
having been always a quarter of an
hour before my time."
- Lord Nelson
"Punctuality is the politeness of
kings." - Louis XVIII
The virtuous benefits of punctuality
1. Prevents the mistreatment of others
– Hebrews 10.24-25
"Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of
clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person's money
as his time.“ - Horace Mann
The virtuous benefits of punctuality
1. Prevents the mistreatment of others.
2. It shows a respect for others.
– Romans 12.10
– Philippians 2.3
– Matthew 18.20
"Few things tend more to alienate friendship than a want of
punctuality in our engagements. I have known the breach
of a promise to dine or sup to break up more than one
intimacy.” - William Hazlitt
The virtuous benefits of punctuality
1. Prevents the mistreatment of others.
2. It shows a respect for others.
3. It is in keeping with the Golden Rule.
– Matthew 7.12
The virtuous benefits of punctuality
1.
2.
3.
4.
Prevents the mistreatment of others.
It shows a respect for others.
It is in keeping with the Golden Rule.
It keeps our worship decent and orderly.
– 1 Corinthians 14.40
The virtuous benefits of punctuality
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Prevents the mistreatment of others.
It shows a respect for others.
It is in keeping with the Golden Rule.
It keeps our worship decent and orderly.
It encourages us to keep the Greatest
Commandment.
– Mark 12.30
"...when we are late for these meetings to worship God or
to learn of God, it may be indicative God is not really as
important as whatever causes us to be late, be it our
bodily rest, our meals, our recreation, our chores, etc. We
are, of course, not saying that all lateness for the
appointed means would fall into this sin. But if we are
habitually late for the means, we must really examine our
attitude towards the Lord. One who is generally on time
for other appointments but is usually late for worship or
prayer is probably experiencing severe backsliding. One
who is generally late for all appointments is probably also
suffering some form of tardiness in the soul. No one who
genuinely loves Christ can be late for an appointment with
Him without feeling shame and embarrassment."
Tardiness robs us of opportunity...
The opportunity to visit with brethren and
visitors.
The opportunity to be of service should there
be a last minute need.
The opportunity to hear some point, some
truth, that was presented prior to arriving late.
The opportunity to prepare our hearts and
minds to offer our best worship to God.
Value in practicing punctuality
1. The impact on our visitors.
– Do they see a sound congregation who is
committed to diligent service?
– Or do they see an unorganized group who is
scrambling to “get it together” at the last minute?
– Are we accurately representing the Lord’s body or
could we do better?
Value in practicing punctuality
1. The impact on our visitors.
2. The impact on ourselves.
– It will make us better persons.
– It will make us better servants.
Value in practicing punctuality
1. The impact on our visitors.
2. The impact on ourselves.
3. The “impact” on our heavenly Father!
– He will be receiving our “first fruits” of time and
worship.
– He will know that we love Him and are dedicated
to His service.
"Better late than never, but better never late!”
Suggestions on how to be on time...
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Plan to be early, and start out early.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before services begin.
Plan the night before by choosing your clothes.
Set your alarm clock to wake 10-15 minutes earlier.
Eliminate unnecessary tasks on Sunday mornings.
Don’t turn on the TV until you are completely ready to leave
for worship.
– Purpose in your heart to give God your very best!
"Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all
things." - 2 Timothy 2.7
You could be saved right now
through the waters of baptism and
the grace of God if you would
simply come forward and confess
your belief in Jesus Christ and
repent of your sins.
Will you come
as we stand and sing #000?