Love Through Punctuality: Why Being on Time Matters

One of the downsides of being the “Christian productivity guy” is that no one cuts me any slack for being late!

If I’m even a few minutes tardy to a meeting or event, it seems somebody always takes it upon themselves to give me a hard time about it.

But the truth is I don’t mind a little ribbing, and I actually kind of like the added accountability. Because I firmly believe that being on time is simply a practical way for Christians to love others. And, frankly, it’s not something I’m always the best at it. So I’ll take take the encouragement to be punctual where I can get it.

But there are actually better (and more biblical) reasons to be someone who is on time for things. Allow me to offer three reasons why Christians should make a point of being punctual. And at the end I share the 5 most helpful tactics I’ve found for improving in this area.

3 Reasons Why Being on Time Matters

1. Punctuality Is a Form of Love

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4

When we’re not on time, we often make others wait. You leave someone sitting alone in the coffee shop, make the meeting start late, or disrupt the event that’s already begun. It’s inconsiderate. It’s unloving.

But when you are diligent about being on time, you are loving your neighbor by valuing their time. And that may mean sacrifice on your part—waking up earlier, skipping the coffee, or being the one who gets there early and has to wait awkwardly. But if we really care, these are relatively small sacrifices to make for the sake of love.

2. Punctuality Reflects Integrity

“Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no.” – Matthew 5:37

If you say you’ll be somewhere at a certain time and then show up late, that’s is a broken promise. Sure, unforeseen circumstances can come up that delay us, and we just need to communicate that. But if you’re chronically late due to poor planning or apathy, you need to see the problem for what it is: A lack of integrity. When you agree to a time, you have said “yes,” you’ve made a promise. So make sure you are doing everything in your power to fulfill that promise.

3. Punctuality Is Part of Your Witness

“So that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:12

We want to have integrity because that honors God and loves others. But we also want to keep our appointments because it is part of our witness to unbelievers. When Christians are consistently reliable and respectful of time it shows our consideration toward others and reflects the love of Christ that has transformed us.

Strategies for Punctuality

The heart is the most important part of this thing, that’s why I began with the “why.” But here are some super practical ways to be better at being on time.

1. Plan in Reverse – Instead of asking “What time do I need to leave?” ask, “What time do I need to start getting ready?”
2. Build in Buffer – There will always be unexpected delays—especially if you have kids. So don’t try to time everything out perfectly. Always try to overestimate how long it will take.
3. Dress, then Rest – A lot of times we end being late because we were relaxing and waited until the last minute to start getting ready. Instead, get ready to go first, then spend some time relaxing before you actually have to leave. Bonus: This way is a lot less stressful.
4. Set a Leave Alarm – This assumes you’ve already figured out when you need to be out the door. But once you have that time, then set an alarm 5–10 minutes before that time. That way you don’t lose track of the time, or have to constantly be checking the clock.
5. Prep the Night Before – This applies more for morning appointments. But laying out your clothes, getting your lunch or whatever else you need together in advance, these simple steps can save you loads of time (and anxiety) in the morning. And they can help you be punctual.

Conclusion

Punctuality matters. It matters to God and it matters to others.

Now, some will point out that different cultures define punctuality differently. In some non-Western contexts, an appointed time is viewed more as a “window” than a specific start time. And being early (or even on time, in some cases) can be perceived as rude! We certainly must accomodate our definitions of punctuality to the culture we are living in, but we also need to be cautious of using this as an excuse for being rude. The morality of punctuality, however that is perceived in your context, is an issue of the heart—am I treating my appointments in a way that is loving and thoughtful toward others? Am I being a person of my word?

If this is an area you struggle in, take some time to pray about it. Confess your shortcomings in this area and ask the Lord to help you to be more diligent to manage your time in a way that loves others, showcases integrity, and honors Him.