O What a Wicked Web We Weave When We First Practice to be Late

I've always said that punctuality is a Christian virtue. Yet rarely do we think about the necessity of being on time, whether it is for meetings with friends, picking someone up, work, worship or getting that paper in on time.

To be sure, there are certain times when providence hinders us and we cannot help being tardy.  However, there are other times when we procrastinate, laze around, chatter longer than we should, or do not plan ahead sufficiently.  These are the times that ought to be of concern to us. 

Beyond the sin of sloth, the integrity of our word is at stake. When we say we are going to be somewhere or have something done, and the hour passes, something serious has just occurred.  We've just broken a promise.  To fail to fulfill an oath a severe thing in the eyes of the Lord.

Now, we can all think of some of the fall out that can occur as a result of being late. I found one such example today that goes beyond the mere irritation it might cause people. I was reading some recommendations on being an owner of a newspaper business. One of the bullets was as follows:

[Make sure you] LIE! Lie to those submitting content about when it is due. Lie to your advertisers about when copy is required. Lie to editors about when proofing must be completed and pictures submitted. Every single step of the way people will be late so expect it and plan for it.

Lying is a standard in the business world much because people cannot be trusted to meet a deadline.