The Importance of Being on Time

    Time is a very important factor in one's life. If utilized and managed efficiently, it will yield great results. The Word of God instructs us to do the following, "making the most of your time, because the days are evil," Ephesians 5:16. Everyone has at some point wished that they had did better with their time. The old cliche is, "time is money." Our Lord Jesus is the greatest example of time management that ever lived. Consider the following statement penned in John's gospel, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written," John 21:25. 

Before there was ever a time management class or seminar our Lord Jesus made great usage of what was allotted him. In a very short 3 year period he accomplished more than any of us could imagine. Once born, we only have so much time to fulfill the purpose that God has ordained for us. Effective time management begins with being on time for meetings, engagements, etc. The following are ten reasons every person should be on time when expected to attend a function. Consider them as they will prove to be rewarding in different ways.

     Why is being on time so important? Isn’t it enough that I show up? The answer lies in the following statement, “The habit of being prompt once formed extends to everything — meeting friends, paying debts, going to church, reaching and leaving place of business, keeping promises, retiring at night and rising in the morning, going to the lecture and town-meeting, and, indeed, to every relation and act, however trivial it may seem to observers.” –William Makepeace Thayer, Tact and Grit, 1882 

This quote speaks volumes as it pertains to time and punctuality. Someone long ago said, “I have always been a quarter of an hour before my time, and it has made a man of me.” 

Reasons for Being Punctual 

1. Being punctual strengthens and reveals your integrity. When you commit to a schedule, you have in essence made a promise. When you are late, it’s the same as breaking the promise. 

2. Being punctual shows you are dependable. Benjamin Franklin once said to an employee who was always late, but always ready with an excuse:  “I have generally found that the man who is good at an excuse is good for nothing else.” When excuses are given an impression of not being dependable is formed.

3. Being punctual builds your self-confidence. Showing up on time not only tells other people you are dependable, it teaches you that you can depend on yourself. The more you keep the promises you make, the more your self-confidence will grow.

4. Being punctual assures you’re at your best. Rushing in to a meeting or function for which you are expected to attend puts you at a disadvantage. If you care about you and those to which you have relationship, you should respect all parties involved by giving your best. It starts with being on time. 

5. Being punctual shows your humility. Punctuality demonstrates that you can and are submitted to authority. 

6. Being punctual shows your respect for others. Being late is a selfish act. Tardiness focuses on you and not your commitment. The attitude is, it’s all about you so let them adjust.

7. Being late is a form of stealing. This is a tough truth but one that is nonetheless true. Others are robbed when you are not where you are expected to be. 

8. Being late strains your relationships. When you’re late in meeting other people, it makes them feel under-valued, that whatever you couldn’t pull yourself away from was more important or that they didn’t mean enough to you to warrant allotting sufficient time to arrive on schedule.

9. Being late disturbs the experiences of other people. Your tardiness not only robs others of their time, but of the fullness of their experiences as well. When an old man was once asked why he had been so punctual in arriving at his church on time for decades, he replied, “I made it my religion not to disturb the religion of others.” 

10. Being late hurts your professional career. Whether you’re an employee or in business for yourself, being late can hinder your professional success. Whether you’re trying to impress the boss or win a client, being tardy produces the opposite effect.