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What Does The Bible Say About Lateness Or Been Late by Opeomoope: 9:23am On Dec 03, 2017 |
There is no commandment in the
Bible that says, “Thou shall not be late, ever,”
so it’s not as simple as one Scripture
reference to determine God’s view on
tardiness. Everyone has been late to
something at some point, often due to
unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
But, if someone is habitually late and
unconcerned about being on time, especially
if that person professes to be a Christian,
then scriptural principles do apply. As with
all things, God looks at the heart, “for the
Lord does not see as man sees; for man
looks at the outward appearance, but the
Lord looks at the heart” ( 1 Samuel 16:7).
For one thing, continual lateness does not
express love for others. Forcing others to
wait for us time after time is simply rude.
Christians are to love one another and love
our enemies as well, and “love is not
rude” ( 1 Corinthians 13:5). When others
perceive that we are unloving and
unconcerned about them, our reputations
as Christians suffer. “A good name is better
than precious ointment” ( Ecclesiastes 7:1). A
good name, a good reputation is important
for a Christian. This means that we should
be known as people of our word,
trustworthy and dependable, and not be
known as always late, slothful, or
unconcerned about others. Our actions as
Christians point back at Christ. Do they
glorify Him? Do they bring Him honor? “And
whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the
Lord and not to men” ( Colossians 3:23).
Furthermore, as Christians we never want to
cause someone else to sin. Constantly being
forced to wait for someone can be very
aggravating, especially to those who make
an effort to be on time. Minor irritation can
easily become anger, which can easily
become sin, and we are never to be the
cause of someone else’s sin. “Jesus said to
his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to
sin are bound to come, but woe to that
person through whom they come’” ( Luke
17:1).
Waiting can not only be frustrating, but it
causes unnecessary stress and wasted time
for the person that has to wait. Christians
are exhorted by Paul to “do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than
yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The perpetually
late person does not consider others’ time
as more important than his own. Most
habitual late-comers are concerned only
with themselves. Continually being late does
not communicate a zeal or diligence in
serving Christ by loving others as He loves
us. It also does not communicate
faithfulness or trustworthiness.
For the person who is habitually late, there
is hope. For many, it is simply a matter of
overcoming bad habits built up over time.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of changing
those habits to be more aware of time,
planning ahead, and leaving ample time for
the unexpected. Recognizing the spiritual
impact on others is the first step in
understanding the importance of reversing
the bad habit of tardiness. If we are
motivated by love for others and a desire to
maintain a good reputation for Christ’s sake,
then prayer for wisdom and help is the next
step. God has promised wisdom to all who
ask for it ( James 1:5), and He is never far
away from those who call upon His power
for godly living. |
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