Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

The Virtue Of Punctuality
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. A longtime concern of mine has been the lack of appreciation regarding punctuality...
a. “the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time”
b. “strict observance in keeping engagements, promptness; antonym: tardiness”
2. Especially as it relates to arriving on time for services of the church...
a. Not the occasional lateness due to unforeseen circumstances
b. But the habitual practice of being late due to a lack of concern of being on time
3. Is there a need for concern regarding the lack of punctuality...?
a. Evidently not in the mind of many Christians
b. Yet I believe it has an adverse effect on the spiritual growth and health of a congregation
[To appreciate the basis for my concern, let’s first consider some...]
I. VOICES ON POSSESSING PUNCTUALITY
A. SOME DO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY...
1. “The trouble with being punctual is that nobody’s there to appreciate it.” - Franklin Jones
2. “I am a believer in punctuality though it makes me very lonely.” - E. V. Verrall
3. “Laugh and the world laughs with you, be prompt and you dine alone.” - Gerald Barzan
B. YET OTHERS VALUE IT HIGHLY...
1. “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
2. “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.” - ‘Rev.’ W. Fisk
3. “Punctuality is the soul of business.” - Thomas C. Haliburton
4. “Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues: always insist on it in your subordinates.”
- Don Marquis
5. “I owe all my success in life to having been always a quarter of an hour before my time.”
- Lord Nelson
6. “Punctuality is the politeness of kings.” - Louis XVIII
[One might wonder whether punctuality is really all that important. How about for the Christian, is it a
sin to be habitually late for one’s appointments? Consider some of the...]
II. VICES OF LACKING PUNCTUALITY
A. MISTREATMENT OF OTHERS...
1. Lack of punctuality is a theft of someone else’s time
a. Especially as an employee who is late for work
b. But even as friends (or brethren), where we have agreed to meet at a set time
1) “If I have made an appointment with you, I owe you punctuality, I have no right to
Topical Sermons 362