Punctuality- the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time; strict observance in keeping engagements, promptness; antonym: tardiness.

"Promptitude is not only a duty, but is also a part of good manners; it is favorable to fortune, reputation, influence, and usefulness; a little attention and energy will form the habit, so as to make it easy and delightful.“ -Charles Simmons

"I give it as my deliberate and solemn conviction that the individual who is habitually tardy in meeting an appointment, will never be respected or successful in life." - W. Fisk

"Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues: always insist on it in your subordinates." - Don Marquis

"I owe all my success in life to having been always a quarter of an hour before my time." - Lord Nelson "Punctuality is the politeness of kings." - Louis XVIII

The virtuous benefits of punctuality 1.Prevents the mistreatment of others – Hebrews "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.“ - Horace Mann

The virtuous benefits of punctuality 1.Prevents the mistreatment of others. 2.It shows a respect for others. – Romans – Philippians 2.3 – Matthew "Few things tend more to alienate friendship than a want of punctuality in our engagements. I have known the breach of a promise to dine or sup to break up more than one intimacy.” - William Hazlitt

The virtuous benefits of punctuality 1.Prevents the mistreatment of others. 2.It shows a respect for others. 3.It is in keeping with the Golden Rule. – Matthew 7.12

The virtuous benefits of punctuality 1.Prevents the mistreatment of others. 2.It shows a respect for others. 3.It is in keeping with the Golden Rule. 4.It keeps our worship decent and orderly. – 1 Corinthians 14.40

The virtuous benefits of punctuality 1.Prevents the mistreatment of others. 2.It shows a respect for others. 3.It is in keeping with the Golden Rule. 4.It keeps our worship decent and orderly. 5.It encourages us to keep the Greatest Commandment. – Mark 12.30

"...when we are late for these meetings to worship God or to learn of God, it may be indicative God is not really as important as whatever causes us to be late, be it our bodily rest, our meals, our recreation, our chores, etc. We are, of course, not saying that all lateness for the appointed means would fall into this sin. But if we are habitually late for the means, we must really examine our attitude towards the Lord. One who is generally on time for other appointments but is usually late for worship or prayer is probably experiencing severe backsliding. One who is generally late for all appointments is probably also suffering some form of tardiness in the soul. No one who genuinely loves Christ can be late for an appointment with Him without feeling shame and embarrassment."

Tardiness robs us of opportunity... The opportunity to visit with brethren and visitors. The opportunity to be of service should there be a last minute need. The opportunity to hear some point, some truth, that was presented prior to arriving late. The opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds to offer our best worship to God.

Value in practicing punctuality 1.The impact on our visitors. – Do they see a sound congregation who is committed to diligent service? – Or do they see an unorganized group who is scrambling to “get it together” at the last minute? – Are we accurately representing the Lord’s body or could we do better?

Value in practicing punctuality 1.The impact on our visitors. 2.The impact on ourselves. – It will make us better persons. – It will make us better servants.

Value in practicing punctuality 1.The impact on our visitors. 2.The impact on ourselves. 3.The “impact” on our heavenly Father! – He will be receiving our “first fruits” of time and worship. – He will know that we love Him and are dedicated to His service.

"Better late than never, but better never late!” Suggestions on how to be on time... – Plan to be early, and start out early. – Plan to arrive 15 minutes before services begin. – Plan the night before by choosing your clothes. – Set your alarm clock to wake minutes earlier. – Eliminate unnecessary tasks on Sunday mornings. – Don’t turn on the TV until you are completely ready to leave for worship. – Purpose in your heart to give God your very best! "Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things." - 2 Timothy 2.7

You could be saved right now through the waters of baptism and the grace of God if you would simply come forward and confess your belief in Jesus Christ and repent of your sins. Will you come as we stand and sing #000?