I quote from Uncle Yeo's blog

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“Some are habitually on time, others are habitually late; no one can be on time all the time, and no one needs to be always late. If five people have agreed to meet at a certain time and place, and one if fifteen minutes late, he has used up one hour in terms of manpower, for he has taken away fifteen minutes from each of the others against their will. If they are wise, they will spend that time in reading or in some other useful way, but the latecomer ought not to presume on their good will if he can possibly help it. He might have the boldness to think–or to say–that they need to learn patience, that they are to be anxious in nothing–all of which is true, but he is not the man to tell them that. What he needs to remember, long before the appointment, is ‘rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way’ (Rom. 14:13); that he has no right to waste others’ time.

Of course, no one can keep the phone or the doorbell from ringing just before he leaves home, nor can he prophesy what will happen on the way; but it is always a good rule to start just a little earlier than you think you need to.

Every Christian worker can discipline himself to be habitually on time, by careful management and foresight. It relives other people of much anxiety, helps them not to waste time and thus makes life easier for them. It is a matter of common honesty and Christian courtesy, and is in line with the injunction to ‘let all thing be done decently and in order’ (I Cor. 14:40).”
-Elisabeth Elliot’s Father

Ah. Now I understand and appreciate the value of punctuality. Though the Bible doesn't explicitly say, "Thou shalt be punctual for all thy appointments," punctuality is one way of practising the two greatest commandments: Love God and love people. Being on time is also an application of looking not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). It is also a way to show honour and respect (Romans 13:7), an expression of submission, and even servanthood since it requires intentional (and maybe tiring) effort on the early-comer's part.

Wow. Personally, this deeper understanding is very important to me, because I don't want to be punctual just for the sake of being punctual. Also, because naturally I am a very slow person. But yes, I am glad that now I can understand better the principles behind being punctual. I think this viewpoint is due to a wise (and very disciplined) leader saying to me some years ago, "Don't try to be organized just for the sake of being organized! But understand first why you want to be organized. Organization is simply a tool to help you do what God wants you to do, and to fulfill His vision for you." So in the same way, I also want to see the purpose of being punctual.

So, yes, I think now that punctuality is a practical application of Christian ethics. Even though it is not explicitly commanded by the Bible, it blesses others so much in so many ways. It is a great discipline to practice patience, kindness, goodness, humility, servanthood, availability, honouring others, consideration... it enhances the quality of work and helps to reduce the workloads of others... prevents anxiety and serves the needs of others... it reduces stress on yourself too... a way of loving yourself... and also loving your neighbour too! :)

And especially when we go for church services on time, it demonstrates our intentionality and sincerity in setting apart a sacred time to worship God, and facilitates orderly worship in the church.

Yes, punctuality is an excellent discipline for practising the Christian virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Thank God for His help and patience in helping me understand better.

Now I'm convinced! :) Dear Lord, please help me grow in punctuality starting from... tomorrow morning at work. Amen. :)

Comments

  1. yeu@nn12:16 AM

    Hahaha.... thanks for quoting me, Uncle Lee...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elvis Elijah Wan10:26 AM

    Actually got one verse the traditional church likes to use to get their peps on time hahaha....

    Psalm 63
    1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

    ReplyDelete

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