Lots of the people who attend my church turn up late for everything. Is that a problem?
Lateness is cousin to laziness. The habitual latecomer probably has issues with punctuality and reliability in most walks of life. Lateness is not always deliberate, and may be utterly unintentional. It is also easy to address, as we shall see. Nevertheless, persistent lateness is especially frustrating if people have particular responsibilities, such as opening the building or providing some service.
Lateness is rude because it steals the time others would willingly give if it were necessary and shows a casual carelessness for others (cf. Philippians 2:3-4). People who arrive late are often stealing attention or peace from those who ought to be focused on higher things, as well as suggesting a general disregard for the worship of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:40).
— This article continues for ET members
