The Right Time:
“Punctuality is the politeness of princes” – is a proverb from the mid nineteenth century.
An earlier version in French – “Punctuality is the politeness of kings,” is attributed to Louis XVIII – 1755-1824.
Punctuality is the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time.
This means, being on time, every time!
For instance, getting projects or assignments done within the specified time.
Also, acting or arriving or performing exactly at the appointed time .
Punctuality is an important characteristic.
Still, some of us can be a trifle bothersome by insisting on being “on time” – if not before the usual or expected time!
Have you ever met those who pride themselves on being exceedingly punctual?
Oh-boy!
Anyhow, punctuality is a close relation to reliability and accountability.
It is also connected to our love for other folks, for without it – it shows a lack of politeness and can hinder someone’s plans or efforts – resulting in feelings of embarrassment that leaves everyone concerned confused.
For-sure, we need to be prompt – according to schedule, and without delay!
Indeed, the Bible gives special importance to time and its extraordinary value.
Eugene Peterson beautifully paraphrases Ecclesiastes 3 in this clear and precise way:
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.
A right time for birth and another for death.
A right time to plant and another to reap.
A right time to kill and another to heal.
A right time to destroy and another to construct.
A right time to cry and another to laugh.
A right time to lament and another to cheer.
A right time to make love and another to abstain.
A right time to embrace and another to part.
A right time to search and another to count your losses.
A right time to hold on and another to let go.
A right time to rip out and another to mend.
A right time to shut up and another to speak up.
A right time to love and another to hate.
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.1.
And it just maybe – we could fail to reach some of these if we are not paying particular notice to our own obligations.
Sure-enough, there are things to be done!
We must look carefully then how we walk!
Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless do, but as wise sensible, intelligent people, making the very most of the time…2.
God puts into the care of each of us our time and resources.
He expects us to deal with these successfully.3.
And He’ll hold us accountable for our use of them.
Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God.4.
Yes, that’s right!
Eventually there is going to be an inspection.
But know this, a disciplined life in God makes us fit both today and forever.5.
Meanwhile, being timely, punctual and reliable helps to avoid wasted time and effort – and can even touch the lives of other folks.
For this reason, punctuality and reliability are very important in helping to achieve our goals.
Finally, consider this, in our schedules, series of steps to be carried out, or goals to be accomplished – too often we are far too busy to enjoy the moment!
So, let’s make the very most of the time.
Come on!
Step out of the traffic!6.
Take a long loving look at your Father God!
Yes, in the busyness of each day – let’s keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important!
Now, that’s something to think about.
Yeah? Yeah!
1 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
2 Ephesians 5:15-16
3 Luke 12:41-48
4 2 Corinthians 5:10
5 1 Timothy 4:7-8
6 Psalm 46:10