“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . .” (Eccl 9:10). I know Solomon is not addressing the subject of punctually directly, but one cannot heed this advice without being punctual to scheduled appointments. Those who are less than punctual cannot possibly be complying with this verse.

A lack of being on time for worship and Bible study seems to be a growing problem experienced in many churches. Frankly, this lack of punctually in regard to church services and Bible studies has long been a concern of mine. There are far too many professed believes who simply are not striving for punctually with all their might.

When we hear the phrase (often in public prayers) “the next appointed time,” that term means something. It means that the church is assembling at a specific time. Courtesy, honesty and reverence demand that I be prompt in my attendance.

There will certainly be unforeseen events that occasionally happen causing me to be tardy, but the habitual practice of coming to services late shows an observable disdain for “the appointed time.”

In our very “laid back” culture common courtesy and respect have become causalities. There are many who do not view punctuality as a big deal. Franklin Jones wrote: “The trouble with being punctual is that nobody’s there to appreciate it.” Or, how about this jewel of wisdom by E.V. Verral? “I am a believer in punctuality though it makes me very lonely.” Some go even farther and suggest that habitual tardiness to church services is fine because “We can’t keep God waiting.” Or, what about those who chirp: “Better late than never.” Or, “After all, I’m here.” God deserves better!

Most Christians who are habitually tardy have not conceived some ill motive for being late. They do so out of thoughtless habit. But a habitual lack of punctuality is a vice that should be corrected especially when it comes to worship and Bible study.

Failure to be punctual is inconsiderate to others. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself,” (Phil 2:3). When it come to my involvement with others I must do all I can to have regard for them, especially Christians, and especially in worshiping God.

As an employee I am to be on time; any employee who is habitually tardy indicates his lack of respect for his employer and his fellow workers. Also, if I have a social appointment for dinner at 7:00 and then come dragging in at 7:20, I have shown contempt for my host. If I make an appointment with you, then I owe you punctually. I have no more right to steal your time than I do your money. Horace Mann said it well: “Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person’s money as his time.”

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence . . .” (Rom 12:10-11). If I am habitually tardy to Bible class, then I am not honoring the teacher or others within the class I am disrupting. Teachers have diligently prepared and are donating their time to teach me. If I lack punctually then I am telling them I do not respect their work, their sacrifices or their dedication. Furthermore, I disrespect my fellow classmates by disrupting them when I come in late.

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them,” (Matt 18:20). I seriously doubt that if we had the occasion to have an appointment with the President or some celebrity we would be so inconsiderate that we would be late. In all probability we would leave early to make certain we would not be late. If we honor the fact that Jesus is in our assemblies and that we are keeping an appointment with Him, then we will be punctual in keeping that appointment.

When we are late for these meetings to worship God or to learn of God, it may be indicative that God is not as important as whatever causes us to be late. Of course, I am not saying that all lateness for worship and Bible studies would fall into this callousness. But if we are habitually late we should examine our attitude towards the Lord. One who is generally on time for other appointments but is habitually late for worship or Bible study is probably experiencing some serious spiritual backsliding. One who is normally late for all “church appointments” is probably also is suffering some form of tardiness within the soul. No one who genuinely loves Christ can be late for an appointment with Him without feeling shame and embarrassment. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment,” (Mk 12:30).

Often one comes in late and disrupts the other worshipers by asking them to either move down or step out in the aisle to let the late-comer pass. This obstructs the worship of the one being disturbed. This seems to me to be a violation of the “golden rule.” “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them . . .” (Matt 7:12). I am sure that we would not like to be disturbed. Suppose you are the one who is asked to move? Suppose you are teaching a class and many within the class come in several minutes late?

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” (Prov 18:24). When we arrive several minutes before “the appointed time” we have opportunities to visit and show ourselves to be friendly. Niccolo Machiavelli said: “Tardiness often robs us of opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.” When we come in late we miss so many opportunities to visit with our brethren. We miss the prospects of meeting and talking with those who might be visiting with us. Just spending a little time with those brothers and sisters, seeing how they are and often having some meaningful spiritual conversation is so uplifting. If I come in late, I miss this opportunity.

Furthermore, sometimes there may be some visitors with a “lost look” standing in the foyer. These need someone to come up and make them feel welcomed and at ease.