The Character of Punctuality - 1/2

By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir
Here is how you can find out. Take a careful look at this character, this fruit of Punctuality, from God’s most precious Word, by examining the passages below. Now ask yourself:

• How do I exhibit Punctuality in my daily life?
• What can I do to develop a better willingness to be on time, to show that I value people?
• What blocks Punctuality from working and being exhibited in me?
• How can I make Punctuality function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Here are positive examples from Scripture 

(1 Kings 19:20-21; Matthew 25:1-13; Esther 4: 9-14; Luke 2:1-12)

Here are negative examples from Scripture 

(Exodus 8:10-11; Matthew 24:48-51; 25:1-13; Luke 9:60-62; Acts 24:24-26)

Punctuality is not holding others back with our inadequacies; it is a form of reverence which respects the time of others, and acts quickly when God and others call on us. This shows that you care and respect others. It is realizing that time is important; the time of others is valuable. Time is a treasure and an investment that pays off in eternity. We are not to waste or take advantage of others. We are to strive to do our best with all God has given, including the time and opportunities of our own and that of others (Genesis 18:14; Psalm 56:3; 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Matthew 5:25; Roman 13:11-14; Colossians 4:5).

Lateness, Tardiness, Hindering others and Procrastination are all opposites. Many great philosophers have stated, “Time is the furnace in which we burn.” Our life and opportunities are very limited. When we detain others, we are infringing on their character and opportunities. We are, in fact, wasting what God has given us and preventing others from exercising what God has given them. When we impede others, we are robbing them of their gifts and opportunities.

Further Questions:

1. How would you define Punctuality? Are you a person who is careful about how he/she uses time? If so, do you slow others up?
2. What part does Punctuality play in your relationships with church members, friends, coworkers, and family? How can mismanaging our time harm our relationships, as well as other aspects of life and work?
3. How does being a Procrastinator counteract Punctuality? What is the cost to others (God, family, friends, neighbors, church, workplace, etc.) when you are a person who is always in a rush, and tardy?
4. What happens to your relationship with God, with others, and with the opportunities God gives you, when you are hindering others?
5.  When have you been filled with Punctuality the most?
6. Can you think of a situation where you failed to be On Time, but, you should have been?
7. What issue is in your life that would improve with increased Punctuality? Do you use your schedule to glorify God and help others, or is it just a private matter where you are not concerned with time?
8. Think through the steps you need to take to put Punctuality into action in a specific instance, such as, how can I make sure I keep my schedule focused on God’s priorities and not just my own? How can I plan things out effectively, being prompt, yet not being bruised when they do not work out? How can I protect myself from the time hog of procrastination?

to be continued..