The Right Time:
“Punctuality is the politeness of princes” – is a proverb from the mid nineteenth century.
An earlier version in French – “Punctuality is the politeness of kings,” is attributed to Louis XVIII - 1755-1824.
Punctuality is the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time.
This means, being on time, every time!
For instance, getting projects or assignments done within the specified time.
Also, acting or arriving or performing exactly at the appointed time .
Punctuality is an important characteristic.
Still, some of us can be a trifle bothersome by insisting on being “on time” – if not before the usual or expected time!
Have you ever met those who pride themselves on being exceedingly punctual?
Oh-boy!
Anyhow, punctuality is a close relation to reliability and accountability.
It is also connected to our love for other folks, for without it – it shows a lack of politeness and can hinder someone’s plans or efforts – resulting in feelings of embarrassment that leaves everyone concerned confused.
For-sure, we need to be prompt – according to schedule, and without delay!
Indeed, the Bible gives special importance to time and its extraordinary value.
Eugene Peterson beautifully paraphrases Ecclesiastes 3 in this clear and precise way:
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.
A right time for birth and another for death.
A right time to plant and another to reap.
A right time to kill and another to heal.
A right time to destroy and another to construct.
A right time to cry and another to laugh.
A right time to lament and another to cheer.
A right time to make love and another to abstain.
A right time to embrace and another to part.
A right time to search and another to count your losses.
A right time to hold on and another to let go.
A right time to rip out and another to mend.
A right time to shut up and another to speak up.
A right time to love and another to hate.
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.1.
And it just maybe – we could fail to reach some of these if we are not paying particular notice to our own obligations.
Sure-enough, there are things to be done!
We must look carefully then how we walk!
Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless do, but as wise sensible, intelligent people, making the very most of the time…2.
God puts into the care of each of us our time and resources.
He expects us to deal with these successfully.3.
And He’ll hold us accountable for our use of them.
Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God.4.
Yes, that’s right!
Eventually there is going to be an inspection.
But know this, a disciplined life in God makes us fit both today and forever.5.
Meanwhile, being timely, punctual and reliable helps to avoid wasted time and effort – and can even touch the lives of other folks.
For this reason, punctuality and reliability are very important in helping to achieve our goals.
Finally, consider this, in our schedules, series of steps to be carried out, or goals to be accomplished – too often we are far too busy to enjoy the moment!
So, let’s make the very most of the time.
Come on!
Step out of the traffic!6.
Take a long loving look at your Father God!
Yes, in the busyness of each day – let’s keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important!
Now, that’s something to think about.
Yeah? Yeah!
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
Everything has its time 3 1 Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. 2 There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, 3 for killing and healing, destroying and building, 4 for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing, 5 for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. 6 There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving, 7 for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. 8 There is also a time for love and hate, for war and peace.
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
15 Act like people with good sense and not like fools. 16 These are evil times, so make every minute count. : .
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
41 Peter asked Jesus, “Did you say this just for us or for everyone?” 42 The Lord answered: Who are faithful and wise servants? Who are the ones the master will put in charge of giving the other servants their food supplies at the proper time? 43 Servants are fortunate if their master comes and finds them doing their job. 44 A servant who is always faithful will be put in charge of everything the master owns. 45 But suppose one of the servants thinks that the master won't return until late. Suppose that servant starts beating all the other servants and eats and drinks and gets drunk. 46 If that happens, the master will come on a day and at a time when the servant least expects him. That servant will then be punished and thrown out with the servants who cannot be trusted. 47 If servants are not ready or willing to do what their master wants them to do, they will be beaten hard. 48 But servants who don't know what their master wants them to do will not be beaten so hard for doing wrong. If God has been generous with you, he will expect you to serve him well. But if he has been more than generous, he will expect you to serve him even better.
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10 After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies. 0: .
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7 Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Work hard to be truly religious. 8-9 As the saying goes, “Exercise is good for your body, but religion helps you in every way. It promises life now and for ever.” These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten.
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
10 Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honour me.”
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