Danville Enlightener

VOL. VIII, No. 23

June 24, 2007

The Problem of Tardiness

By – Doug Smith
Montgomery, AL

Our congregation is presently grappling with a widespread brotherhood problem – tardiness. A brother who serves as an usher in a church of a thousand members recently made the statement, “If we were to lock the doors at 7:00 (the worship hour), one third would be inside and two thirds would be outside.” Since it appears to be such a prevalent problem let’s ask the question: What’s wrong with being tardy?

  • (1)It is disruptive. One high school teacher recently stated that when the bell rang one student was in the classroom. It was not until twenty minutes later that the last of the eight students finally arrived. How can effective teaching take place in such a setting? This is magnified many times further when the teacher is late which does not allow those who are waiting with their small children to be on time for classes. It is also common to find pockets of people talking in the halls even after Bible Classes have begun.

  • (2)It indicates wrong priorities. How many would be late responding to a dinner invitation to the White House? How often do we allow our children to be tardy at school? Or at ball games in which they are playing? How would it go over with your husband or wife for you to have been late for your wedding? Are you late to work (in which case you may be docked)? The point is we are on time to the events or occasions which are important to us. Since corporate worship and Bible Study should be among the most important times of our week, shouldn’t we be on time?

  • (3)It is just plain sloppy. Being tardy falls in the same category with the unprepared Bible class lesson or the unfulfilled cleaning assignment. It is demoralizing to those who are on time. Being tardy is just not consistent with the urgency of discipleship under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Being on time costs something. In the long ago it was David who said, “Nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” (2 Sam 24:24). It takes effort to be punctual. It was the Preacher of Ecclesiastes who admonished, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,” (Eccl 9:10). As the hymn puts it, “Give your best to the Master.” Let’s all make the commitment and put forth the effort to be on time for every occasion of the work and worship of the church.

(Submitted by Mike Turner)

 

Becoming an Enemy

Paul was a man who refused to compromise his convictions or violate his conscience (Acts 23:1; 24:16). This meant sometimes telling people some things they did not want to hear. Like the time he rebuked Peter for being hypocritical (Gal 2:11).

When Paul lived and spoke consistent with the Truth of God and his own conscience, he made enemies even among those who were former friends. This was what he meant when he asked the Galatians, Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? (Gal. 4:16). He was writing to them in an effort to keep them from leaving Christ and returning to Judaism. His love for them was misinterpreted by them. Thus, instead of embracing him, the Galatians considered Paul an enemy. How sad!

Some years ago, while living and preaching in Tennessee, Sue and I developed a close friendship with a man and his wife. This brother served as a deacon and he and I would often study the bible together. Not only did we worship together we socialized together frequently.

However, this man began an adulterous relationship with a coworker. After the initial shock wore off his wife decided, “two can play this game,” so she committed adultery. Antagonism developed and they considered divorce because of the hurt and hatred they felt for one another.

In a visit with them I told them according to the scriptures neither of them had a right to divorce (both were adulterers) so they must repent and try to restore their fractured relationship. I suddenly became an enemy. Years of friendship and fellowship were tossed aside; I was now viewed by them as an adversary. I reminded them that what I was telling them was the same thing I had preached to them for years as we worshiped together. Who changed?

This is not an unusual scenario. Anytime one refuses to bend or blend his convictions to maintain friendships, he will find himself an enemy to those who were once friends.

For example, if you believe and teach that there is to be no divorce with one exception (Matt 19:9), you might find out that some will consider you their enemy because they believe there are many causes for divorce.

If you believe and teach that fornication must take place BEFORE a scriptural divorce and an ultimate remarriage (Matt 19:9), you may also find some consider you an enemy because they believe that fornication can take place AFTER a divorce has been obtained and that one can still remarry.

Perhaps some will avoid us in restaurants and not speak to us when we pass on the street because we are unwilling to compromise our convictions. While it might be hurtful and disconcerting, it does put us in some very elite company; so keep the faith!

-- jrb