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00:01 The theme selected for my comments this month 00:04 is “Punctuality—A Godly Quality.” 00:07 You might remember the opening paragraph 00:10 in a 1990 Watchtower article on the subject of punctuality. 00:15 It said that an elder’s closest friends 00:18 jokingly called him Armageddon. 00:21 Why? 00:22 They replied: “We know he’s coming, but only God knows when!” 00:27 The elder had a problem with punctuality. 00:30 Punctuality has nothing in common with procrastination. 00:35 To procrastinate means 00:37 “to intentionally put off the doing of something 00:40 that should be done.” 00:43 The saying, “Tomorrow is the busiest day of the year” 00:47 reflects the human tendency to procrastinate. 00:51 How appropriate then is the inspired encouragement 00:54 concerning the present —today. 00:57 Galatians 6:10 says: 00:59 “As long as we have the opportunity, 01:02 let us work what is good toward all.” 01:05 “As long as we have the opportunity” 01:08 does not sound like procrastination to me. 01:11 No, the Bible encourages just the opposite —punctuality. 01:16 Punctuality refers to the characteristic 01:19 of being prompt in keeping appointments. 01:21 Punctuality is a godly quality. 01:24 In fact, Matthew 6:33 01:28 prioritizes our pursuit of Kingdom interests. 01:32 It says: 01:33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, 01:37 and all these other things will be added to you.” 01:41 It said to ‘seek the Kingdom first,’ 01:45 not second, not third or fourth —first. 01:50 When we put the Kingdom first in our life, 01:53 we do not put it off 01:55 in favor of some trivial pursuit. 01:59 If it is time for a Christian meeting, 02:02 we are there well before it starts. 02:05 Perhaps you have heard some say: 02:09 “At least I made it to the meeting. 02:11 Better late than never!” 02:14 But the godly way is: “Better never late!” 02:18 Jehovah is a punctual God. 02:20 He sets the example for us. 02:23 When Jehovah decided to destroy the ungodly world in a deluge, 02:28 he said to Noah at Genesis 6:14: 02:32 “Make for yourself an ark.” 02:35 Then, at Genesis 7:4, 02:37 Jehovah told Noah to enter into the ark and informed him: 02:41 “For in just seven days, 02:44 I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.” 02:49 What happened? 02:51 A “better late than never” attitude? 02:53 No, that is not acceptable to Jehovah. 02:57 Instead, Genesis 7:10 says: 03:00 “And seven days later 03:03 the floodwaters came upon the earth.” 03:06 Right on time. 03:08 Punctuality is a godly quality. 03:11 By means of a prophecy in Daniel chapter 9, 03:15 Jehovah indicated hundreds of years in advance 03:18 when Jesus would fulfill his role as Messiah and Savior. 03:22 When did Jesus present himself for that role? 03:26 “Better late than never?” 03:28 No, precisely on time in 29 C.E., 03:33 Jesus was anointed as Christ. 03:36 In fact, Romans 5:6 says: 03:39 “Christ died for ungodly men 03:42 at the appointed time.” 03:45 Jehovah is punctual. 03:47 What about in our time? 03:49 The Bible tells us to keep in expectation 03:52 of Jehovah’s future day of judgment. 03:55 When will it happen? 03:57 Well, to us it may seem that it has delayed. 04:02 But what do we know about Jehovah? 04:04 He is punctual. 04:06 And so it is that Habakkuk 2:3 tells us: 04:12 “For the vision is yet for its appointed time, 04:17 “and it is rushing toward its end, 04:20 “and it will not lie. 04:22 “Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! 04:26 “For it will without fail come true. 04:29 It will not be late!” 04:32 Punctuality is Jehovah’s way. 04:35 Unlike the elder cited earlier, 04:38 this Armageddon will be on time. 04:42 The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 04:45 was specifically discussing what happens 04:48 at Christian gatherings. 04:50 In verse 26, he said: 04:52 “When you come together, . . . 04:54 Let all things take place for building up.” 04:58 Then, at 1 Corinthians 14:40, 05:02 he concludes by saying: 05:04 “But let all things take place decently 05:08 and by arrangement.” 05:10 Look at the words again. 05:11 When speaking about Christian meetings, 05:13 he said: ‘Let things take place decently.’ 05:17 In Greek, it literally means “well-behavedly.” 05:20 Paul also used a Greek word translated here “by arrangement.” 05:26 The literal meaning of the Greek word is “according to order.” 05:30 If we are to be well-behaved, according to order at our meetings, 05:35 what would be one aspect of that? 05:39 Being punctual —on time— 05:41 for the start of the meeting. 05:43 While the lack of punctuality affects all cultures 05:47 to one degree or another, 05:49 it is true that some cultures 05:51 are more punctual than others as a whole. 05:54 A missionary reported that in one town where he served, 05:59 his wife would be the only person in the audience 06:02 when he announced the opening song at the beginning of the meeting. 06:07 But when he announced the closing song, 06:10 70 people would be there. 06:13 On the other hand, in a Western European country, 06:17 about a thousand people were asked: 06:19 “If you were invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m., 06:24 “should you arrive five or ten minutes early, 06:28 or five or ten minutes late, or exactly on time?” 06:32 The majority responded 06:34 that “courtesy requires scrupulous respect for the host 06:38 and arriving at the exact minute.” 06:42 Each culture would likely think that the other is extreme. 06:47 However, being punctual is more than a matter of regional preference. 06:52 It is a godly quality 06:54 that true Christians of every culture 06:57 want to cultivate. 06:59 Punctuality must become a habit —a way of life. 07:03 It is similar to some countries 07:06 that do not have a habit of good hygiene, or cleanliness. 07:11 That may be true, but it is expected that Jehovah’s people 07:15 in those lands will excel in good hygiene and clean habits. 07:20 In the same way, no matter what our background, 07:24 culture, or upbringing, 07:26 it is expected that we as imitators of our God 07:30 will develop the godly habit of being punctual. 07:35 What helps us to be punctual? 07:38 The Bible encourages advance planning. 07:41 Proverbs 21:5 says: 07:43 “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, 07:47 but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.” 07:52 So being punctual is not just a matter 07:55 of hastily fulfilling an obligation or an appointment. 07:59 It involves thinking in advance about our responsibilities. 08:04 Yes, planning to be prepared for them 08:07 and to be prompt in carrying them out. 08:11 Well, what are some activities 08:13 that we would want to be punctual in fulfilling? 08:18 It can be the everyday things in life, 08:21 such as arriving at work or at school on time; 08:26 being punctual for appointments, such as a visit to the doctor or dentist; 08:32 arriving at the designated time when invited to another’s home for a meal. 08:38 What is our habit like when it comes to these areas of life? 08:43 Even more important is punctuality 08:46 when attending our Christian meetings and assemblies. 08:49 This means being present 08:51 before the opening song and prayer. 08:55 The apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 22 08:58 when he wrote Hebrews 2:12. 09:01 Of Jesus he said: 09:04 “I will declare your name to my brothers; 09:07 in the midst of the congregation I will praise you with song.” 09:11 If that was true of Jesus, 09:14 it is a great incentive for us to participate 09:18 in singing the first song with our congregation. 09:23 And the opening prayer is important for us. 09:26 In ancient times, Jehovah called the temple 09:30 his “house of prayer.” 09:32 It’s true that the opening prayer 09:34 requests Jehovah’s guidance and holy spirit on the program, 09:39 however, it also prepares 09:42 our minds and hearts 09:44 to receive the information to be considered. 09:48 Of course, there may be times when one 09:51 is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. 09:54 Public transportation may be delayed 09:56 or our car may break down. 10:00 That’s understandable on occasion. 10:03 But what is our habit? 10:07 In the past, it was suggested that we consider 10:10 arriving 15 or 20 minutes before a meeting started. 10:14 One brother with six siblings 10:17 said his father made a goal of being at the Kingdom Hall 10:21 20 minutes before the program began. 10:24 That certainly took advance planning. 10:27 His father’s byline for meeting attendance was: 10:32 “If you’re 5 minutes early, 10:35 then your 15 minutes late.” 10:38 In most cases, the whole family arrived 10:41 20 minutes before the meeting 10:45 for wholesome association. 10:48 Another opportunity for punctuality 10:51 is arriving on time for a meeting for service. 10:54 This is challenging for some. 10:56 However, with a little advanced planning, 10:59 we can be successful. 11:01 Punctuality is particularly important 11:04 since the actual meeting is only about ten minutes long. 11:09 If we’re late, not only is it disruptive 11:13 but it could force the one taking the lead 11:16 to redo the arrangements made for the group. 11:21 And speaking of our ministry, 11:23 what is an opportunity to be punctual every month? 11:27 Yes, you guessed it, 11:29 turning in our field service report at the end of the month. 11:33 Do you have a way of reminding yourself of this? 11:38 In some lands, it is almost as if it is a custom 11:41 for the start of a wedding talk to be delayed. 11:45 Often this is because of mistakenly gauging how much time 11:50 the bride needs to get dressed and made up 11:53 for her grand appearance. 11:56 However, being considerate of those invited 12:00 should move those involved to allow extra time 12:04 to complete the task of preparation. 12:07 A 1990 Watchtower commented on being punctual 12:12 in starting a wedding. 12:14 The very next sentence stated: 12:17 “You may like to have your egg boiled 12:21 for just so many minutes.” 12:24 I am not sure exactly how that applies to a wedding, 12:28 but I think we get the point, don’t we? 12:32 We should have calculated the timing in advance 12:37 so that the ceremony begins on time. 12:42 Do we have yet another example of being punctual, 12:46 not procrastinating? 12:48 How about when there is a difference 12:51 between you and a fellow believer 12:54 or a family member? 12:56 Of course, if it is simply a minor issue 13:01 because of imperfection, 13:03 often the best thing to do is forgive and forget. 13:08 But if it was more serious 13:11 or we cannot simply let it go, 13:15 what should we do? 13:17 We need to settle the matter and restore the peace. 13:21 When should we take this step? 13:23 Do not procrastinate. 13:26 If we do, the problem may fester and get worse. 13:31 What kind of a priority did Jesus establish 13:34 for restoring peace between fellow believers? 13:38 At Matthew 5:23, 24, 13:42 note his clear indication of punctuality: 13:46 “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar 13:50 “and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 13:54 “leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. 13:58 “First make your peace with your brother, 14:01 and then come back and offer your gift.” 14:03 Did you pick up on the timing 14:06 that Jesus recommended for reconciliation? 14:10 He said: 14:12 “[First] First make your peace with your brother.” 14:17 It is a high priority and should be treated as such. 14:22 But remember the scripture we shared earlier, 14:25 Proverbs 21:5? 14:27 This principle should be implemented. 14:31 The last part of the verse 14:34 warns us not to be “hasty.” 14:37 Hasty is not synonymous with punctuality. 14:41 Instead, the first part of the verse indicates 14:45 we should prepare or plan the visit first. 14:50 Then follow through without procrastinating. 14:53 It said this approach will “lead to success.” 14:59 What is the success we are seeking? 15:03 Jesus did not say to justify our position 15:07 or to point out the flaw 15:10 in the other person’s words or actions. 15:13 No, he said you would be successful 15:16 if you “make your peace with your brother.” 15:21 Punctuality is a godly quality 15:24 that we should strive to cultivate. 15:27 Another aspect of punctuality 15:30 is ending an assignment on time. 15:33 In the interest of punctuality, 15:35 let’s move on to the next segment of our program.
00:01 The theme selected for my comments this month 00:04 is “Punctuality—A Godly Quality.” 00:07 You might remember the opening paragraph 00:10 in a 1990 Watchtower article on the subject of punctuality. 00:15 It said that an elder’s closest friends 00:18 jokingly called him Armageddon. 00:21 Why? 00:22 They replied: “We know he’s coming, but only God knows when!” 00:27 The elder had a problem with punctuality. 00:30 Punctuality has nothing in common with procrastination. 00:35 To procrastinate means 00:37 “to intentionally put off the doing of something 00:40 that should be done.” 00:43 The saying, “Tomorrow is the busiest day of the year” 00:47 reflects the human tendency to procrastinate. 00:51 How appropriate then is the inspired encouragement 00:54 concerning the present —today. 00:57 Galatians 6:10 says: 00:59 “As long as we have the opportunity, 01:02 let us work what is good toward all.” 01:05 “As long as we have the opportunity” 01:08 does not sound like procrastination to me. 01:11 No, the Bible encourages just the opposite —punctuality. 01:16 Punctuality refers to the characteristic 01:19 of being prompt in keeping appointments. 01:21 Punctuality is a godly quality. 01:24 In fact, Matthew 6:33 01:28 prioritizes our pursuit of Kingdom interests. 01:32 It says: 01:33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, 01:37 and all these other things will be added to you.” 01:41 It said to ‘seek the Kingdom first,’ 01:45 not second, not third or fourth —first. 01:50 When we put the Kingdom first in our life, 01:53 we do not put it off 01:55 in favor of some trivial pursuit. 01:59 If it is time for a Christian meeting, 02:02 we are there well before it starts. 02:05 Perhaps you have heard some say: 02:09 “At least I made it to the meeting. 02:11 Better late than never!” 02:14 But the godly way is: “Better never late!” 02:18 Jehovah is a punctual God. 02:20 He sets the example for us. 02:23 When Jehovah decided to destroy the ungodly world in a deluge, 02:28 he said to Noah at Genesis 6:14: 02:32 “Make for yourself an ark.” 02:35 Then, at Genesis 7:4, 02:37 Jehovah told Noah to enter into the ark and informed him: 02:41 “For in just seven days, 02:44 I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.” 02:49 What happened? 02:51 A “better late than never” attitude? 02:53 No, that is not acceptable to Jehovah. 02:57 Instead, Genesis 7:10 says: 03:00 “And seven days later 03:03 the floodwaters came upon the earth.” 03:06 Right on time. 03:08 Punctuality is a godly quality. 03:11 By means of a prophecy in Daniel chapter 9, 03:15 Jehovah indicated hundreds of years in advance 03:18 when Jesus would fulfill his role as Messiah and Savior. 03:22 When did Jesus present himself for that role? 03:26 “Better late than never?” 03:28 No, precisely on time in 29 C.E., 03:33 Jesus was anointed as Christ. 03:36 In fact, Romans 5:6 says: 03:39 “Christ died for ungodly men 03:42 at the appointed time.” 03:45 Jehovah is punctual. 03:47 What about in our time? 03:49 The Bible tells us to keep in expectation 03:52 of Jehovah’s future day of judgment. 03:55 When will it happen? 03:57 Well, to us it may seem that it has delayed. 04:02 But what do we know about Jehovah? 04:04 He is punctual. 04:06 And so it is that Habakkuk 2:3 tells us: 04:12 “For the vision is yet for its appointed time, 04:17 “and it is rushing toward its end, 04:20 “and it will not lie. 04:22 “Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! 04:26 “For it will without fail come true. 04:29 It will not be late!” 04:32 Punctuality is Jehovah’s way. 04:35 Unlike the elder cited earlier, 04:38 this Armageddon will be on time. 04:42 The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 04:45 was specifically discussing what happens 04:48 at Christian gatherings. 04:50 In verse 26, he said: 04:52 “When you come together, . . . 04:54 Let all things take place for building up.” 04:58 Then, at 1 Corinthians 14:40, 05:02 he concludes by saying: 05:04 “But let all things take place decently 05:08 and by arrangement.” 05:10 Look at the words again. 05:11 When speaking about Christian meetings, 05:13 he said: ‘Let things take place decently.’ 05:17 In Greek, it literally means “well-behavedly.” 05:20 Paul also used a Greek word translated here “by arrangement.” 05:26 The literal meaning of the Greek word is “according to order.” 05:30 If we are to be well-behaved, according to order at our meetings, 05:35 what would be one aspect of that? 05:39 Being punctual —on time— 05:41 for the start of the meeting. 05:43 While the lack of punctuality affects all cultures 05:47 to one degree or another, 05:49 it is true that some cultures 05:51 are more punctual than others as a whole. 05:54 A missionary reported that in one town where he served, 05:59 his wife would be the only person in the audience 06:02 when he announced the opening song at the beginning of the meeting. 06:07 But when he announced the closing song, 06:10 70 people would be there. 06:13 On the other hand, in a Western European country, 06:17 about a thousand people were asked: 06:19 “If you were invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m., 06:24 “should you arrive five or ten minutes early, 06:28 or five or ten minutes late, or exactly on time?” 06:32 The majority responded 06:34 that “courtesy requires scrupulous respect for the host 06:38 and arriving at the exact minute.” 06:42 Each culture would likely think that the other is extreme. 06:47 However, being punctual is more than a matter of regional preference. 06:52 It is a godly quality 06:54 that true Christians of every culture 06:57 want to cultivate. 06:59 Punctuality must become a habit —a way of life. 07:03 It is similar to some countries 07:06 that do not have a habit of good hygiene, or cleanliness. 07:11 That may be true, but it is expected that Jehovah’s people 07:15 in those lands will excel in good hygiene and clean habits. 07:20 In the same way, no matter what our background, 07:24 culture, or upbringing, 07:26 it is expected that we as imitators of our God 07:30 will develop the godly habit of being punctual. 07:35 What helps us to be punctual? 07:38 The Bible encourages advance planning. 07:41 Proverbs 21:5 says: 07:43 “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, 07:47 but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.” 07:52 So being punctual is not just a matter 07:55 of hastily fulfilling an obligation or an appointment. 07:59 It involves thinking in advance about our responsibilities. 08:04 Yes, planning to be prepared for them 08:07 and to be prompt in carrying them out. 08:11 Well, what are some activities 08:13 that we would want to be punctual in fulfilling? 08:18 It can be the everyday things in life, 08:21 such as arriving at work or at school on time; 08:26 being punctual for appointments, such as a visit to the doctor or dentist; 08:32 arriving at the designated time when invited to another’s home for a meal. 08:38 What is our habit like when it comes to these areas of life? 08:43 Even more important is punctuality 08:46 when attending our Christian meetings and assemblies. 08:49 This means being present 08:51 before the opening song and prayer. 08:55 The apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 22 08:58 when he wrote Hebrews 2:12. 09:01 Of Jesus he said: 09:04 “I will declare your name to my brothers; 09:07 in the midst of the congregation I will praise you with song.” 09:11 If that was true of Jesus, 09:14 it is a great incentive for us to participate 09:18 in singing the first song with our congregation. 09:23 And the opening prayer is important for us. 09:26 In ancient times, Jehovah called the temple 09:30 his “house of prayer.” 09:32 It’s true that the opening prayer 09:34 requests Jehovah’s guidance and holy spirit on the program, 09:39 however, it also prepares 09:42 our minds and hearts 09:44 to receive the information to be considered. 09:48 Of course, there may be times when one 09:51 is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. 09:54 Public transportation may be delayed 09:56 or our car may break down. 10:00 That’s understandable on occasion. 10:03 But what is our habit? 10:07 In the past, it was suggested that we consider 10:10 arriving 15 or 20 minutes before a meeting started. 10:14 One brother with six siblings 10:17 said his father made a goal of being at the Kingdom Hall 10:21 20 minutes before the program began. 10:24 That certainly took advance planning. 10:27 His father’s byline for meeting attendance was: 10:32 “If you’re 5 minutes early, 10:35 then your 15 minutes late.” 10:38 In most cases, the whole family arrived 10:41 20 minutes before the meeting 10:45 for wholesome association. 10:48 Another opportunity for punctuality 10:51 is arriving on time for a meeting for service. 10:54 This is challenging for some. 10:56 However, with a little advanced planning, 10:59 we can be successful. 11:01 Punctuality is particularly important 11:04 since the actual meeting is only about ten minutes long. 11:09 If we’re late, not only is it disruptive 11:13 but it could force the one taking the lead 11:16 to redo the arrangements made for the group. 11:21 And speaking of our ministry, 11:23 what is an opportunity to be punctual every month? 11:27 Yes, you guessed it, 11:29 turning in our field service report at the end of the month. 11:33 Do you have a way of reminding yourself of this? 11:38 In some lands, it is almost as if it is a custom 11:41 for the start of a wedding talk to be delayed. 11:45 Often this is because of mistakenly gauging how much time 11:50 the bride needs to get dressed and made up 11:53 for her grand appearance. 11:56 However, being considerate of those invited 12:00 should move those involved to allow extra time 12:04 to complete the task of preparation. 12:07 A 1990 Watchtower commented on being punctual 12:12 in starting a wedding. 12:14 The very next sentence stated: 12:17 “You may like to have your egg boiled 12:21 for just so many minutes.” 12:24 I am not sure exactly how that applies to a wedding, 12:28 but I think we get the point, don’t we? 12:32 We should have calculated the timing in advance 12:37 so that the ceremony begins on time. 12:42 Do we have yet another example of being punctual, 12:46 not procrastinating? 12:48 How about when there is a difference 12:51 between you and a fellow believer 12:54 or a family member? 12:56 Of course, if it is simply a minor issue 13:01 because of imperfection, 13:03 often the best thing to do is forgive and forget. 13:08 But if it was more serious 13:11 or we cannot simply let it go, 13:15 what should we do? 13:17 We need to settle the matter and restore the peace. 13:21 When should we take this step? 13:23 Do not procrastinate. 13:26 If we do, the problem may fester and get worse. 13:31 What kind of a priority did Jesus establish 13:34 for restoring peace between fellow believers? 13:38 At Matthew 5:23, 24, 13:42 note his clear indication of punctuality: 13:46 “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar 13:50 “and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 13:54 “leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. 13:58 “First make your peace with your brother, 14:01 and then come back and offer your gift.” 14:03 Did you pick up on the timing 14:06 that Jesus recommended for reconciliation? 14:10 He said: 14:12 “[First] First make your peace with your brother.” 14:17 It is a high priority and should be treated as such. 14:22 But remember the scripture we shared earlier, 14:25 Proverbs 21:5? 14:27 This principle should be implemented. 14:31 The last part of the verse 14:34 warns us not to be “hasty.” 14:37 Hasty is not synonymous with punctuality. 14:41 Instead, the first part of the verse indicates 14:45 we should prepare or plan the visit first. 14:50 Then follow through without procrastinating. 14:53 It said this approach will “lead to success.” 14:59 What is the success we are seeking? 15:03 Jesus did not say to justify our position 15:07 or to point out the flaw 15:10 in the other person’s words or actions. 15:13 No, he said you would be successful 15:16 if you “make your peace with your brother.” 15:21 Punctuality is a godly quality 15:24 that we should strive to cultivate. 15:27 Another aspect of punctuality 15:30 is ending an assignment on time. 15:33 In the interest of punctuality, 15:35 let’s move on to the next segment of our program.
