The Blessing of Diligence
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going” ~ Ecc. 9:10
God’s Word has a lot to say about diligence. Recently, I took some time to consider what the Proverbs teach us about this important subject. Below is a summary of my findings.
Who are the Diligent?
Did you know that diligence is an expression of love? Maybe you’ve never thought about it that way before, but that’s what it is. In fact, the word “diligence” comes from a Latin term that means, “to love earnestly.” We express our love for God and others (ex. Pr. 13:24) through diligence. Diligence can be described as fervent, loving, persevering work. The diligent whole-heartedly steward their time, talents, and treasures for the glory of God and the good of others.
For the Christian, the goal of diligence isn’t to become efficient like a machine. Rather, our desire is to become fruitful like a tree (Psalm 1). We labor diligently to become Christlike men or women whose wisdom, service, and good works glorify God and enrich the lives of others.
Characteristics of the Diligent
The Diligent Take Their God-Given Responsibilities Seriously
The diligent are not careless or half-hearted about their service to Christ. Gripped by a deep sense of accountability, they live coram deo, that is, to live in the presence of God. They’re fervent in their work (Ro. 12:11), knowing they will give an account to God for how they steward the opportunities, blessings, and responsibilities God entrusts to their care. Therefore, as the Proverbs note, the diligent…
Takes careful stock of what’s going on in their heart. Pr. 4:23 states, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” The diligent seek to cultivate and maintain a heart of integrity before God and man.
Takes stock of their possessions. Pr. 27:23 says, “[Be diligent to] know the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” The diligent realize that they are stewards of God’s blessings. They faithfully manage what God has given to them so that they can fruitfully serve the Lord.
The Diligent Earnestly Seek God’s Blessing
The diligent earnestly seek God’s hand of blessing upon their lives and ministry (Pr. 8:17). They know experientially that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Ps. 127:1). Therefore, they fervently pray for the blessing of God’s presence, wisdom, and power to accompany their labors.
The Diligent Plan and Prepare for Blessing
The diligent pray and plan (Pr. 21:5). They seek God’s blessings, receive wise counsel, consider the best course of action, and get to work. By faith, they embrace God’s design for sowing and reaping. They believe that we will reap what we sow, how we sow, and more than we sow (2 Cor. 9:6-15; Gal. 6:7-10). In humble confidence, they anticipate God’s blessings as they prayerfully pursue the path of obedience (Pr. 13:4).
The Rewards of Diligence
Wealth
Pr. 12:27 states, “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.” In the Old Testament, wealth was seen as a token of God’s favor. Wealth provided God’s people with increased opportunities to do good, be useful, and live meaningful lives that honor God and bless others. As the diligent faithfully do what God has called them to do today, God will bless them with more opportunities for fruitful service in the future.
Honor
People recognize the value and worth of diligence. Pr. 22:29 notes, “Do you see a man skillful (or diligent) in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” We can be sure that in time, God will honor those who embrace the way of diligence.
Leadership
Pr. 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” God entrusts the blessing of leadership to those who are diligent. Sadly, I’ve known many young men who have expressed strong ministry aspirations, but were too lazy to put in the effort to see those desires come to fruition. Like the sluggard in Proverbs, they didn’t reap a harvest because they refused to plow in the autumn seasons of life (Pr. 20:4).
Conclusion
Diligence is the way that we that demonstrate love for God and neighbor (Mt. 22:36-40). The Lord rewards those who are diligently seeking and serving Him (Heb. 11:6). May God grant us the grace to serve, live, and labor with diligence.
Micah Colbert is the discipleship and outreach pastor at Community of Grace Church in Buffalo, NY. You can find his booklet, Good News for All Nations, designed for evangelism in ESL encounters, here. He blogs at Rooted Thinking, where this article first appeared.