Love Through Punctuality – Why Being on Time Matters, May 1, 2025

A Word to the Wise: Love Through Punctuality: Why Being on Time Matters
 
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
2. Punctuality Reflects Integrity
“Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no.” – Matthew 5:37
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
 
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.

Reagan Rose, Redeeming Productivity, 4.22.25, https://redeemingproductivity.com/punctuality/

Here are Four Things to Know this Week:
 
1. First-Person: 100 Years of Faithful Guardrails in the BF&M (Randy Davis, Baptist Press)
 
2. What I Like and Don’t Like About Spiritual Gifts Inventories (Chuck Lawless)
 
3. AI and Pastoral Leadership: 4 Game-Changing Ways to Leverage the Tech Tool (Byron Rose, Lifeway Research)
 
4. Kentucky Pastor’s Book Aims to Make BF&M ‘More Digestible’ (Baptist Press)
 
Thank you for reading. Please share it with pastors and other AMSs you believe would benefit.
 
To the praise of His glory,
 
Ray
 
P. S. I also host a weekly podcast, SBCAL Podcast with Ray Gentry