Sorry I’m Late

Thanks to Jim Miller, working with the Gray Church of Christ, for the content of this post.

Sorry I’m Late But…

I will be the first to say yes there are at times legitimate reasons to be late for class or services. That is not what I am going to address here, so do not get your knickers in a bunch.

Every Christian knows that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day and that they need to be prepared both physically and mentally for that day of worship. The same concept applies to mid-week Bible study and Gospel meetings and any other times the church comes together, such as an all sing night etc.

There are times when illness or some unforeseen event will keep us from assembling however, for a Christian who knows full well the times and places for which they are to assemble, for them to be in the habit of saying, “Sorry I’m Late”, and not to be ready for these known events, something is very wrong.

What Could Be More Important?

How can a Christian follow Matthew 6:33 and not care enough to be up and ready or to allow something to come between them and God? You have to ask what could possibly be more important than one’s worship of our Creator. We know the the times set aside for Bible classes and we know exactly what time we meet for worship. We know the dates and times of Gospel meetings and are given plenty of advance notification to arrange to be present. Why would we be saying, sorry I’m late?

Do you really believe that God is pleased when you allow things to come before Him? When you come in late, and even though it may be a small distraction to those already singing, praying or studying, do you think God is pleased with your actions? You know whether you’re the type that might need to get up a little earlier in order to get ready on time. You know that there is a set time for each meeting. You know that Bible study and class are important and needed and the times that they begin. You know well the scripture that tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some (Hebrews 10:24-26).

You can not live by the old adage better late than never. Honestly answer this question; what is more important than your service to God? What could possibly be that important?

Is There A Heart Problem?

We have a real heart problem today when we have gotten used to brother so and so always being late. We have come to expect it and accept it. Instead, we should be explaining that it is not acceptable and teach him the importance of being on time, or even early. This is not to mention the fact that most who show up late are the first ones to head for the door as soon as the service is over. This clearly shows a heart problem and that brother so and so wants to do other things that are more important to him.

Personally, I look forward to the first day of the week and any other meetings decided upon. It gives me time to learn what God expects of me and it brings me joy to know I am doing what my Creator expects of me. Frankly, I don’t believe we spend enough time even on Sunday when we set aside a mere two hours in the morning and maybe an hour in the evening for worship to God. I would like to think I would have been one of the first in attendance to hear Paul preach and be one of the last to leave when he ended his preaching at midnight. But I digress…

Make Preparations And Plan Ahead!

Decide to stop saying, “Sorry I’m Late.” You know you need to be in Bible class and most do not even start until between nine and ten am. You have several hours to get ready before hand and you know the night before what day it will be when you awake. We need to find a way to instill in the hearts of men a true love of God and His Word. That is what it really boils down too when you think about it.

Do yourself a big favor: set out your clothes the night before, set your alarm plenty early so you have time to get ready and eat and do everything else you need to do so that you can be on time. Do these things and you won’t be saying, “Sorry I’m Late” anymore! After all God is waiting on you.