On Time
Ex. 9:5
Do you believe that God is ever late for anything? I believe that he is always on time. I also believe that being late is not something God appreciates. [Ecc.3:1-8] clearly states that there is a time to every purpose under heaven. I really believe that God desires us to be on time for everything.
Be Attentive to Start times and Finish times
- You need to be aware of when things start
- Write down start times
- Maybe sharpening your listening skills would help
Strive to be Early
- Some say, “on time is late” and “early is on time”
- Obstacles should never be used as a late excuse
- You should add time to your plans for unforeseen obstacles
- Mailing your bills without allowing for the snail mail will assure they’re late
Determine in advance what is needed on your part to be on time
- In our house departure times are discussed far in advance
- We calculate the things that need to be accomplished and time required for each
- Airlines now announce to be there 2 hours in advance
Form some consistent Departure deadlines
- Your schedule should not be constantly altered
- At our home we have some standard times to depart, church for example
- We listen for choir or teacher meeting times because they alter our routine
Where to be on Time
Work
- Every employer deserves an employee who is on time
- You should be ready to work at starting time
- You are being paid, so your tardiness is stealing
Church
- Easy to spot the same people again and again who are late
- A Christian should not want to miss anything at church
- Leaders and attendees should be prompt
Appointments
- Appointment times are that “set time” we looked at in Exodus
- Pastor, banker, friend, lawyer, co-worker, doctor, or sales person, who it is should not make a difference
- Some are starting to charge you for the time anyway
Business
- If you render any service you must realize that your client’s time is valuable
- Services promised at a certain time should not be late
- 15-minute oil change? 30-minute pizza delivery? 2:15 doctor’s appointment?
- We all have experienced the waiting side of these, if you are ever on the delivery side be on time
Paying Bills
- Misuse of money normally is the cause of late payments
- Never get where the late date is the due date to you
- This speaks volumes to your Christian testimony
- Shoot for always on but preferably before the due date
Family Functions
- Family is where your habits and examples are set (the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree)
- Husbands and wives, parents and children, honor your commitments
Time with God
- Daily appointment with God, daily devotions
- Should never start late or be cut short
Getting up in the morning
- Russell Anderson “You earn a living from 9-5; you become a success from 5-9”
- “_______ didn’t wake me up” is no excuse, be an adult, don’t depend on your mommy
If you must be late, Notify anyone that it effects
- Consistently being late shows a complete disrespect for others
- Consistently being late tells a very clear picture of who you really are
- The absolute least that you can and must do is to notify the parties that you are violating