Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Being late refers to the failure to arrive or act at the appointed or expected time. In biblical terms, punctuality and timeliness are often associated with wisdom, diligence, and respect for others. The Bible, while not explicitly addressing the concept of being late, provides principles that underscore the importance of time management and reliability.
Biblical Principles:1.
Diligence and Responsibility: The Bible frequently emphasizes the value of diligence and responsibility.
Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." This passage highlights the importance of planning and acting promptly, as demonstrated by the ant's industrious nature.
2.
Respect for Others: Being late can be seen as a lack of consideration for others' time.
Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Punctuality reflects a respect for others and their schedules.
3.
Time as a Gift from God: The Bible teaches that time is a precious gift from God, and believers are called to use it wisely.
Ephesians 5:15-16 states, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage encourages believers to make the most of their time, implying that lateness can be a form of poor stewardship.
4.
Preparedness and Readiness: The parable of the ten virgins in
Matthew 25:1-13 illustrates the importance of being prepared and ready. The five wise virgins were prepared and entered the wedding feast, while the five foolish ones were late and missed the opportunity. This parable underscores the spiritual significance of readiness and timeliness.
5.
God’s Timing: While human beings are called to be timely, the Bible also teaches that God's timing is perfect.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse acknowledges that while humans may falter in their timing, God's plans unfold precisely as intended.
Examples and Illustrations:·
The Israelites’ Journey: The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land was marked by delays due to disobedience and lack of faith. Their 40-year wandering in the desert serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of not adhering to God's timing and instructions (
Numbers 14:33-34).
·
Jesus and Lazarus: In
John 11, Jesus arrives after Lazarus has died, which some perceived as being late. However, Jesus' timing was intentional, demonstrating His power over death and revealing God's glory (
John 11:4).
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to cultivate habits of punctuality and reliability, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives. By valuing others' time and being diligent in their responsibilities, Christians can bear witness to their faith and respect for God's gift of time.
Topical Bible Verses
Psalm 127:2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
4183. polus -- much, many... with the article it is said of a multitude as
being " (Vine, Unger
... high price (1),
large (30), large numbers (1), large sums (1), larger (1),
late* (2), lengthy
...Library
TheLate Work of God in North America
... is by no means my design to give a particular detail of thelate transactions in...
to bless God, who still prospered the work of his hands; therebeing more and...
How Another in Like Manner,Being at the Point of Death, Saw the...
... This befell oflate in the province of the Bernicians, andbeing noised abroad far
and near, inclined many to do penance for their sins without delay....
Why the Son was Sent SoLate.
... IX."Why the Son was sent solate. As long then as the former time [309] endured,
He permitted us to be borne along by unruly impulses,being drawn away by...
A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in theLate...
... The day now hastening to its close, andlate [1553] evening arriving, and the final
sentence of the courtbeing expected, all were in still greater agony, and...
A Discourse Concerning theBeing and Attributes of God
...BEING SIXTEEN SERMONS PREACHED IN THE CATHEDRAL-CHURCH OF ST.... By SAMUEL CLARKE, DD.
Late Rector of St James#8217;s, Westminster. A NEW EDITION. GLASGOW:...
Psalm LIX.
... Saul out of a wolf was made a dog at evening, that is,being late converted by the
crumbs of his Lord, in His grace he ran, and went around the city. [2252]....
How the Britons,Being for a Time at Rest from Foreign Invasions...
... How the Britons,being for a time at rest from foreign invasions, wore... kings, priests,
private men, and the nobility, still remembering thelate calamities and...
Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow'sLate Proceedings in Spain
... the ignorance of the Spaniards in general, I have great pleasure inbeing able to...
at least known by reputation, and no small curiosity has oflate years been...
The Unity of the DivineBeing
... system of religion, without anything of God about it; withoutbeing beholden, in
any... And thus thelate Professor Hutcheson, of Glasgow, (a stranger writer than...
Correspondence of St. Chrysostom with the Bishop of Rome.
... we entered the city we besought our most pious Emperor to convene a synod for
prosecuting the offenders in thelate transactions.Being conscious therefore of...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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