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June 15, 2002, Vol.1, No.10. Punctuality Norman E. Fultz (via With All Boldness) Punctuality is a commendable attribute. Furthermore, it is a
trait of politeness. There are some circumstances in which one’s lack of
punctuality is considered very inappropriate, if not rude; and there are
some folk who would not think of failing to be punctual regarding some
situations, but who are very careless about it in others. To be punctual
means "Acting or arriving exactly at the time appointed; prompt. Paid
or accomplished at or by the appointed time." For most every kind of
occasion, there are designated times. In one’s work, he/she is expected to
be present and on the job at a certain time; and tardiness is frowned upon,
if not punished in some way. Medical appointments are made, and few people
would think of being late for that appointment, even when they know
they’ll likely have to wait past the designated time to see the doctor.
Weddings are announced for a definite time, and it is considered rude to
arrive after the ceremonies have begun and the "door is shut."
(cf. Matthew 25:1-13) A dinner invitation usually designates a time, and
failure to respect the time designated by the hostess is social impoliteness
and is disrespectful (cf. Luke 14:15-24). Meeting times of the saints are announced and well established, and most people earnestly try to respect those times and to be in their place and ready for the service to begin, whether Bible class or an assembly function. It should be true of all, not just most or some. Failure in this reflects a less-than-diligent, if not careless, attitude toward those spiritual obligations. Yet some who likely are very punctual when it comes to all the earlier mentioned occasions are often very lax when it comes to the meeting times of the church. Teachers who have prepared their lessons and are "at the ready" to teach their class often have to "wait in hope" that the students are going to show. That discourages the teacher who has put so much effort into preparation, and it is developing a bad habit on the part of the student. Furthermore, students who arrive late miss part of the lesson, and perhaps greatly distract the class by tardy arrival. I can think of nothing that ought to be taken more seriously than our service to the Lord, and that includes being present and being prepared to participate. The Fields Are White Do you not say, `There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. (John 4:35-36) Brethren, do we believe the Master? What are we doing, as individuals and as a congregation, to reach the lost around us?
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