DILIGENCE, n. L., to love earnestly; to choose.
Steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry; assiduity.1
steady, earnest, and energetic effort : persevering application 2
Scripture:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Many times a newly assigned task seems easy to accomplish, but as time transpires one may grow increasingly impatient with completing it. Distractions may appear or one may grow weary and discouraged. It is important to keep moving forward and and to keep in mind that our labour is not in vain for the Lord.
Our motivation for being diligent should come from the understanding that our treasures will be laid up in heaven. Christ knows all we do and will reward our diligent efforts.
Just as God equips you to be diligent in doing the small tasks, He will be faithful to provide the energy to complete the bigger jobs as well.
Diligence is a mental disposition that drives us to complete a task successfully.
“The lazy Christian hath his mouth full of complaints, when the active Christian hath his heart full of comforts.” —Thomas Brooks
Additional Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:17, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 13:4, Galatians 6:9, Proverbs 21:5, James 1:12, Colossians 3:23, Ecclesiates 9:10, Proverbs 6:6-8, Philippians 3:14, 2 Peter 1:5-7, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 6:11-12, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Proverbs 12:27
Prayer:
Lord, Help me to desire to eagerly search and learn the rich treasures of Your Word that I may learn to apply them to daily life. Help me to envision each task as a special mission from You. Help me to diligently complete each mission using all the talents You have bestowed upon me. Thank You for who You are and all You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Songs of Praise:
- Work for The Night Is Coming (Annie L. Coghill)
- Rescue the Perishing (Fanny Crosby)
- Bringing In The Sheaves (Knowles Shaw)
- Have I Done My Best for Jesus? (Ensign Edwin Young)
- Give of Your Best to The Master (Howard B. Grose)
- To The Work (Fanny Crosby)
- Av1611.com
- Miriam-Webster Dictionary
