BCIC Punctuality Sample

Punctuality Showing high esteem for other people and their time

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” ECCLESIASTES 3:1

READY FOR THE BRIDEGROOM “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. . . . the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him . . . .

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour . . . .”

MATTHEW 25:4, 10, 13

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Giver

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Punctuality in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Prepare Ahead of Time

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Ready for the Bridegroom

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:19

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Prepare to Be Punctual!

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Avoid Procrastination

11 Bible Story: Three Men Contemplate Following Jesus 12 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:60 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3: Refuse to Keep Others Waiting 15 Bible Story: The Timely Mission of Abraham’s Servant 16 Memory Verse: Luke 6:31 17 Activity: Slap, Clap, Snap!

18 Lesson 4: Be at the Right Place at the Right Time 19 Bible Story: A Divine Encounter in the Upper Room 20 Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1 21 Activity: “When-to-Be-Where” Clocks

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Punctuality GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “What If It Were Today?”

26 H ymn History: “What If It Were Today?”

by Leila N. Morris 27 Explaining Salvation to a Child 28 Reproducible Coloring Pages 32 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Punctuality?

Read aloud and discuss what punctuality means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of punctuality is “showing high esteem for other people and their time.”

Time is a valuable resource given by God to every person. How a person chooses to use this resource often affects others’ lives. Unlike money, time cannot be saved up. Once time has passed, you cannot retrieve it. A significant way to show kindness to others is to be careful not to waste their time. If you are late, they cannot recover the time they lost while waiting for you. When you value other people and their time, you will be punctual so that none of their time is wasted.

You can plan ahead and allow extra time in your day in case you have an unexpected delay. When you love others as yourself, you will do everything possible to respect their time as much as you do your own.

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his work, others may need to prod him to move on to the next task. Although the tardy person might apologize for being late, he continues to mismanage his time until he has a change of heart. By acknowledging his selfishness and receiving God’s grace, he can overcome his tardiness and learn to respect others’ time.

The opposite of punctuality is tardiness. A tardy person is late and does not honor the time commitments he has made. He selfishly does what he wants to do without considering how it will inconvenience others. He may wait until the last minute to start his assignments. Or he might underestimate the time necessary to complete his tasks, thereby missing deadlines. He is easily distracted by less important things. When he takes too long to do

Have you ever wondered when and how time began? At Creation, God separated light from darkness to establish day and night. Then He ordained the sun, moon, and stars to establish times and seasons. After God created the world in six days, He rested on the seventh day, thus instituting the seven-day week. He appointed feasts for remembrance and celebration. For several thousand years, Jews have planned, prepared, and traveled to the right place at the right time to celebrate the feasts. Today, Christians prepare for Jesus’ return. Although we do not know the day or the hour when He will come, practicing punctuality can help us use each moment wisely until He appears. Invest your time wisely by spending it in a way that will reap an eternal benefit. God ordains time to accomplish His work and exalt His greatness. “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).

A punctual person arrives on time or even early so that he doesn’t miss appointments, such as catching a bus or causing others to wait for him.

A tardy person runs behind schedule and often arrives late, which then complicates life for himself and sometimes for others as well.

Punctuality in Scripture

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s you read and study God’s Word, you will

PUNCTUALITY KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” ECCLESIASTES 3:1

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Punctuality in My Life

We see examples of punctuality in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out punctuality daily.

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God is not late in fulfilling His Word.

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(See Habakkuk 2:3.)

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With precise timing, God accomplished the most important event in history.

(See Romans 13:11–14, I Peter 4:7–8.)

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(See Galatians 4:4–5, Romans 5:6.)

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God provided food on a consistent basis for His people.

(See Exodus 16:13–16, 26.)

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Jesus deferred to His Father’s timetable.

Jesus prioritized time alone with His Father.

(See Luke 5:15–16.)

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Jesus, knowing His time on earth was short, did not delay to do the work that His Father assigned Him. The Holy Spirit gives believers the precise words with which to testify before authorities at the appropriate time.

(See Mark 13:11.)

When I am angry with someone, how soon should I resolve the matter?

(See Ephesians 4:26.)

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Why should I not make others wait for me?

(See Luke 6:31.)

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What activity does God instruct me to do consistently every day and night?

(See Joshua 1:8.)

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(See John 9:4.)

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A little too much of what healthy activity could hinder me from being both punctual and productive?

(See Proverbs 6:9–11.)

(See John 7:6–8, 11:3–6.)

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How should I conduct myself in preparation for Christ’s return?

Why is it important to show up when I say I will?

(See Proverbs 25:19.)

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If I delay in getting my work done, what consequences may result?

(See Ecclesiastes 10:18, Proverbs 12:24, 18:9, 19:15.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Prepare Ahead of Time INTRODUCTION

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n Sunday mornings, are you often looking

for your Bible or trying to decide which shoes to wear while the rest of the family is getting in the car to drive to church? When you are unprepared, you may cause others to be late. They may be inconvenienced, or even embarrassed, by your late arrival.

You can help your family depart on time by making preparations the night before. Perhaps you could locate your Bible and select the clothes and shoes you plan to wear. You can even be more helpful by getting ready early and then assisting your younger siblings or helping Dad load the car. As you prepare for daily activities and future events, remember that ultimately life is the time to prepare to meet Christ!

Ready for the Bridegroom

PUNCTUALITY Showing high esteem for other people and their time 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Prepare Ahead of Time

Ready for the Bridegroom

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esus had been training His disciples for nearly three years when they raised a question about His Second

Him until then. Faithful servants will be rewarded, but

Coming. “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of

explained. Then Jesus told a parable so the disciples

the end of the world?” they privately asked Him. Jesus

might understand what it meant to be prepared for

warned them of deceivers and told them of the perse-

His return. In the parable, the Kingdom of Heaven was

cution and suffering that they could expect before

illustrated through a Jewish wedding. Who would go to

the end. Yet He also gave reassurance of salvation

meet the bridegroom on his way to receive his bride?

and reward to those who endure to the end. When

Would these people have to wait for the bridegroom?

Jesus spoke of His glorious appearing, He said that no

lazy and unrighteous servants will be punished, He

Who prepared ahead of time so they would be ready to

one except the Father knows the day or the hour of His

celebrate with the bridegroom at the wedding feast?

coming. “Watch,” Jesus said, “and be ready.” He told His

Let’s read the Bible story in Matthew 25:1–13 and then discuss the following questions.

disciples to anticipate His return and faithfully serve

1. How many virgins went out to meet the bridegroom? (See Matthew 25:1.)

The next time your family goes somewhere, what can you do to make sure you have everything you need and are ready to depart when they are?

2. What did the five wise virgins do differently than the five foolish virgins? (See Matthew 25:3–4.)

What event are you anticipating? What can you do to prepare ahead for it?

3. Did the bridegroom come right away? What happened? (See Matthew 25:5.)

How much extra time do you allow for unexpected delays? What are some ways that you can redeem (wisely use) your time? (See Ephesians 5:16–21, Psalm 1:2.)

4. When the bridegroom’s approach was announced, what did the foolish virgins discover? What did they ask of the wise virgins? (See Matthew 25:8.)

How can you avoid imposing on others or borrowing from them?

5. Since the foolish virgins had not brought oil and the wise ones did not have extra oil, what were the foolish told to do? (See Matthew 25:9.)

When is it appropriate and wise to say “no” to those who request a favor? When might deferring to others prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities?

6. What happened while the foolish were away buying oil? (See Matthew 25:10.) Were they allowed to enter late into the wedding celebration? (See Matthew 25:11–12.)

Do you tend to miss events or arrive late because you aren’t ready on time? What will you do differently when invited to the next event?

7. What admonition did Jesus give to His disciples regarding His Second Coming?

(See Matthew 24:42–47, 25:13.)

How can you be preparing now so you can be ready when Jesus comes? (See Mark 13:33, Hebrews 10:24–25, I John 3:2–3.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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S

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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