Punctuality – Vice or Virtue?
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (Ecc. 3:1-8 – ASV).
The subject of time has been written about, sung about, but mostly ignored. Preachers have been lauded as not keeping up with time as they speak long past the congregation's established "quitting" time. The one thing everyone should agree on is that we have all been given the same number of seconds, minutes, and hours in each day. Like our souls, which God has placed into our care, time is something that every one of us must manage carefully. There was a period in our society when manners were as valued as gold or silver, and they spoke volumes concerning the type of person one was. However today, manners seem to be a thing of the past—allotted to an antiquated society that was never as enlightened as we have supposedly become.
People in many societies seem to care nothing of excusing themselves when bumping into another person, or belching in public, let alone the foul language that seems to have become the norm for men, women, and children. But possibly one of the most ill-mannered attitudes of people today, and most particularly among Christians, is a total lack of time management!
Punctuality is that quality in a person that causes him to be prompt, able to keep an appointment, or doing things at the precise or exact time. In other words, he is dependable. Brethren will use the excuse that they just don't seem to have enough hours in the day as they rush to Bible class or worship services. More times than not, brethren are found interrupting a Bible class or the worship services because of their lack of promptness. Yet these same individuals wouldn't think of being late to get the best seats at a sporting event, concert, or movie.
Paul told the Colossians, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Col. 4:5). If someone is always late to Bible class and/or worship, then it is most likely that they are just as late to their jobs or other secular appointments. How is it possible for us to make a difference in the world when we are not being an example to those outside the church? Paul said to the brethren at Colosse as well as Ephesus that our Christian walk is to be one that is according to wisdom, careful, and not as the unwise (Col. 4:5; Eph. 5:15-16). A lack of punctuality is really an attitude of habit, and as such it becomes a vice and not a virtue.
How often do we fail to realize the various things God has given us to be stewards over? Each of those things can become either a blessing or a curse towards our hope of eternal life. Mismanagement of God's time causes us to violate more commands than we can shake a stick at! We do not have the "time" to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) We do not have the "time" to visit someone in the hospital or at home (Matt. 25:41-45). We do not have the "time" to speak to someone who is erring (James 5:19-20). We do not have the "time" to be given to hospitality (Rom. 12:13). Older women do not have the "time" to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-4). Men do not take the "time" to study the Scriptures and work toward becoming qualified elders (1 Tim. 3:1). On and on the list could go.
No Christian should ever be so careless and disrespectful as to constantly be late in assembling with the saints. It shows a lack of love and respect for the one (teacher, preacher, et al.) who has given his or her time in preparing class material. It shows a lack of love for brethren in the class or assembly who are disturbed by all the commotion that is made in getting seated.
What about Bible class teachers who are never in their classes on time? Their example teaches others that "time" is of no consequence. It is something we are free to use or discard as we please. Bible class teachers should always be in their classes at least ten minutes before their students arrive, especially if visitors should come. Not being punctual shows that one is not thinking of others above themselves (Phil. 2:3-4). It demonstrates that they seek their own needs and not those of Christ (Phil. 2:21).
Punctuality can be a vice or a virtue, but all Christians should diligently strive to add it to their faith as a virtue that the brethren and the world looks up to. Please, let's watch our (God's) time.
[Editor's Note: We want to thank Mike, whom we support in Pierre, South Dakota, for writing this article. I remember one congregation where brethren arrived from 2 to 30 minutes late—for worship (they did not bother with Bible study)! Last week, everyone's arrival was checked here. Out of 53 people who came for Bible class, 27 were late. One question worth thinking about is from a verse in Malachi in the context of giving: "Will a man rob God?" (Mal. 3:8). Yes, His people were robbing Him in terms of tithes and offerings. Is it possible to do the same thing with time?]