DILIGENCE!

 Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Diligence is defined as persistence or effort. The Bible speaks highly of diligence and emphasizes its importance in various aspects of life. The Bible is filled with stories of diligent individuals who demonstrated hard work, commitment, and faithfulness in their lives and missions.

Are you a diligent person? Diligence is one of those virtues that has gradually faded from society today. Instead, carelessness, disregard, and laziness have become the norm, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5.

God is particular about diligence, judging from the many characters that exemplified it in the Bible. Some characters exemplify how diligence, combined with faith in God, can lead to remarkable accomplishments and blessings. As Proverbs 21:5 states, they worked diligently for their living and for God.

Ruth and Noah are both exemplary figures of diligence in the Bible, though their circumstances and missions were quite different. Let's look at some key aspects of their diligence and how they compare:

Ruth's Diligence: Ruth's diligence was expressed in her loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi and move to Bethlehem, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay" in Ruth 1:16-17. Her commitment to Naomi was a profound act of faithfulness and dedication.

Ruth worked tirelessly in the fields to gather grain to provide for herself and Naomi. She showed great determination and perseverance by working from morning until evening, despite the challenges and difficulties in Ruth 2:2-7, 17.

Noah's Diligence: Noah's diligence was rooted in his obedience to God's instructions to build an ark. Despite the immense size and complexity of the task, Noah faithfully followed God's detailed specifications without question in Genesis 6:14-22.

Even amid ridicule, Noah remained diligent with the task at hand. He stayed steadfast and focused on the mission, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and faith.

The book of Proverbs is packed full of nuggets of wisdom, and diligence is one of them. It informs us that diligence leads to success, satisfaction, and ultimately honours God. It encourages us to be hardworking, prudent, and committed in all our endeavours. As seen below:

Proverbs 12:24 (NIV): Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labour.

Proverbs 13:4 (NIV): A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 21:5 (NIV): The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

We see diligence in the following characters as well, and we would do well to emulate them:

Joseph: Joseph's diligence is evident throughout his life. From being a slave in Potiphar's house to managing Egypt's resources during a severe famine, Joseph consistently demonstrated hard work, integrity, and faithfulness in Genesis 37-50.

Daniel: Daniel's commitment to prayer and his diligent service in the courts of Babylonian and Persian kings showcase his dedication to God and his work. He remained faithful despite facing great challenges, including being thrown into the lions' den (Book of Daniel).

Nehemiah: Nehemiah displayed diligence in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His leadership, hard work, and perseverance in the face of opposition were crucial in completing the task in Nehemiah 1-6.

Paul: The Apostle Paul is a remarkable example of diligence in spreading the Gospel. He travelled extensively, established churches, and wrote many letters to guide and encourage early Christians, despite facing numerous hardships (Acts and Pauline Epistles).

Many people are diligent in their work and secular life but, sadly, not in the things of the Spirit. Whatever we do must be done heartily and diligently as if we're doing it all for God, which we are. Be diligent!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be diligent in all I do and do them all for your glory in Jesus’ name, amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/womenoflight/episodes/DILIGENCE-e2utrsc

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