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The
Habitually Late
Some time ago, one of the men I have regular studies with made a
statement that registered with me. I had commended him for his
punctuality, for indeed he had never been late for a study appointment.
He had always insisted upon studying at my home, and had always been on
time or a little early. When I told him how much his promptness had
impressed me, he replied, “We believe that being on time is important,
and that being late can be a sign of pride.”
I had to think on the man’s statement for a while; yet, I have
considered that he may have spoken the truth on the matter. It may be
that when we are habitually late getting to our appointments, that more
than mere coincidental “events beyond our control” are behind our
tardiness.
We have appointments to be at a variety of places at all times during
each day. Our employer schedules a time for us to be at work. Our board
of education appoints a time for our children to be at school. The
church of which we are a member has planned the Bible class and worship
service to begin at certain hours. We tell our friends we’ll meet them
at places of recreation at a certain time. Perhaps we are invited to a
friend’s house to eat supper at a set hour. We could cite many more
examples. Do we arrive for these at the time agreed upon beforehand, or
do we often find ourselves coming in after the predetermined time?
Yes, everyone has at some time been late to an appointment. There
certainly can be things “beyond our control” that delay our arrival
time. Yet, the habitual late-arriver should consider his attitude. Might his actions
not show that he conceitedly
considers his time to be more valuable, more precious to him than the
time of the person(s) he has agreed to meet with? (I.e., “Yes, you and I
have agreed upon a time... But you wait for me ‘til the time of my
choosing.”) Might this not be a symptom of pride in the heart? And
didn’t the apostle Paul say, “Let nothing be done through selfish
ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others
better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own
interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4)?
Let’s consider that the time of our employers, friends, and brethren is
just as important to them, as ours is to us. Are we often late to our
appointments? Do we find it difficult to get where we’re going on time?
Have we ever considered using 5, 15, or 30 of our “precious” minutes to
ensure that we don’t encroach upon the (as well) precious time of our
associates?
Can a Christian be a habitual late-arriver and remain pleasing to God?
That's a a good question -- and we haven’t
even spoken concerning the matter of keeping of our word (James 5:12). This is a
problem for many. Yet, it IS a problem easily overcome. EVERYONE can
find ways to be on time. Will you?
--Mike Noble
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