Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. Proverbs 13:4
How do we avoid the slippery slope of sloth? Jesus gives us the Christian virtue of diligence, also called zeal. Our theme verse is interesting. We usually think of sloth and diligence as something done in the flesh. However, while our war is sometimes with the flesh, it is always won or lost in the soul.
Diligence throughout the Bible is a virtue of every successful person. Success isn’t measured in dollars though. Our eternal reward is much greater than any riches we may amass here.
The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession. Proverbs 12:27
Diligence is our attitude toward work. It is the underpinning of excellent work habits and our moral decisions toward our work to feed our families, represent our companies faithfully, and honor our commitment to God.
Perhaps the best advice ever given pertains to diligence,
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Diligence drives our attitude toward God and our walk with Him. Faith is the fuel, but diligence is the transmission of that faith. The writer of Hebrews desired us to be diligent,
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, Hebrews 6:11
Therefore, our spiritual diligence to keep the faith gives us the hope to keep going and finish the race strong. As we get tired, frustrated, and discouraged by what is going on around us; when we get upset and defeated by our own sinfulness; it is our diligence that drives us to our knees in prayer for direction, relief, and forgiveness. Jesus told us when we are overcome by burdens to give them to Him. He will trade your heavy burden for His light.
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!…2 Corinthians 7:11
In closing I am reminded of what my good friend Hugo once wrote to me,
“The difference between faithful and infidel people is that faithful people do not surrender at the first sign of difficulties. They go on and on. Faithful people are determined. Faithful people are Diligent. Faithful people are persistent.”
Prayer: Dear Lord help me be diligent in my walk with you. Never turning to the right or to the left, thereby getting distracted or slothful but staying the course. I can’t do this without you Lord, please fill me with your Spirit and guide me daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.
