Be Early, Every Time

Different people have different attitudes towards how they use their time. Some are highly organised, allocating almost every minute of their day to a task. Others, eh … not so much. Whatever. Let's just go with the flow. Now, to be sure, if you take either of those to the extreme, that's a bad thing. Someone who's over-organised often won't make time for relationships. They're too busy getting things done. And the one who's under-organised typically doesn't get much done at all. And yet, how we use our time, particularly when it comes to how we treat others in how we use our time, has a huge impact on the respect (or lack thereof) that we'll build with them. So today, let's focus on one practical way to show our love and respect for others. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others. (NIV) I want to pick up on that last bit—love doesn't dishonour others. One way to dishonour someone is to be late in showing up. In fact, some people are chronically late, leaving others hanging, waiting around, wasting time. If that's you, how do you think that makes others feel? What do you think their attitude towards you is going to be? One of respect? I doubt it! Being chronically late dishonours those around us. Punctuality is one small way to practise love, consideration, and humility. Even more than that, being five minutes early every time tells others that you value them. And that garners their respect. Love is a verb. It's about things we do. And love doesn't dishonour others. Be early, every time. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.