We Must Have Order (in the best Hitlerian tone) or in WTS terms "Punctuality and You"
What good fortune for those in power that people do not think.
Adolf Hitler
The victor will never be asked if he told the truth.
Adolf Hitler The great masses of the people... will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.
Adolf Hitler
Who says I am not under the special protection of God?
Adolf Hitler
*** w98 10/1 20 Local Cultures and Christian Principles-Are They Compatible? ***Who of us likes to be kept waiting?
In some lands this rarely happens because punctuality is considered important (which one is that, certainly not the US). The Bible tells us that Jehovah is a God of order. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Consequently, he has set a "day and hour" to end wickedness, and he assures us that this event "will not be late
." (Oh, maybe this is why people are so late at the KH; too many false alarms) (Matthew 24:36; Habakkuk 2:3) Cultures that promote reasonable punctuality help us to be orderly and to
show proper respect for other people and their time (but no respect for those abused), which is certainly in line with Scriptural principles.
*** w97 4/15 24 Weddings That Honor Jehovah ***
A Christian wedding is a good opportunity to show that we are "no part of the world." (
I bet you brides and grooms out there didnt know that!) (John 17:14; James 1:27)
Our orderliness should stand out (I thought it was love; maybe it is loving orderliness). This would mean that we would be on time instead of making people wait,
possibly interfering with congregational activities (thats what happens when you schedule your wedding right after the public talk). This is especially something for the bride to appreciate
, since worldly relatives may urge her to be lateas if to enhance her importance (only late brides I know of were late trying to enhance their looks). By being punctual
a mature Christian sister (thats right it is only those young immature sisters who are late) can demonstrate that spiritual qualities, like humility and consideration, are important to her!
*** w90 1/1 7 "Aglow With the Spirit" in Mexico ***
The
highlight of 1989 was a change in the status of Jehovahs Witnesses in Mexico. As a result, the Bible could be used in the house-to-house preaching work for the first time, and
meetings could be opened with prayer. This had an
immediate effect"We could not hold back the tears of joy
. The results have been manifest in better punctuality. Everyone wants to be present for the opening prayer." (Thats the cure for being late, stop using the Bible in the ministry and stop having opening prayers.)
*** w90 6/15 26 Punctuality and You ***
A CHRISTIAN overseer in a South American congregation had many fine qualities.
But his closest friends jokingly called him Armageddon. Why? "We know hes coming," they would say, "but only God knows when!" (No, the F&DS thought they knew in 1914, 1915, 1925, 1975.)
Christian overseers can also help the congregation
by setting the proper example (by protecting children from sexual abusers
?!) They would not have been appointed unless they were "orderly." (which is more important than being truthful and loving)(1 Timothy 3:2)
Other brothers and sisters probably will be more punctual if they know that elders will be there to greet them and to take the lead (which poster said he was left outside waiting for someone with a key? This is for you). So conscientious overseers will strive to be at the Kingdom Hall early
to help the congregation (by running around talking to each other or in the back room with some poor schnook). Ministerial servants who arrive early
to greet their brothers (I think most attendants forget their job starts when they get there; some think it is only showing people to their seats and counting heads) and serve their needs are greatly appreciated.
Of course, to be punctual takes self-control and discipline. No, not for the sake of achieving military precision, but out of love for our fellow Christians and respect for theocratic order. (Why does the phrase, "Heil, Hitler" come to mind?)
