We are talking about diligence this week. This is an area that most people struggle with from time to time. To be diligent means to be careful and persistent in your work; to be steady, earnest, and devoted to accomplish an undertaking. Being careful carries with it the understanding of giving attention to what you are doing to avoid harm, damage, or mistakes. To be persistent means to continue firmly in a course of action regardless of difficulty or opposition.

We must also understand that the Bible connects diligence with responsibility because diligence implies some kind of work or application to reach a goal. Of course, as believers, we know that we need help from our Lord to know and understand how we are to live out His plans for our lives, but we still must do our part to keep our faith strong in God.

So whatever your dream, it will take diligence – a steady effort –to reach that dream. Most everyone understands the application of diligence in their natural life but often forget to apply the same effort for their spiritual life. It includes some kind of study time to acquire knowledge, in the natural and well as spiritual, to accurately pursue that dream – or calling – that God has placed in your heart. In other words, they neglect the time it takes to study the Bible, to pray, and learn what God says about them being a good steward of the gifts that He has placed within them.

Here are a few Scriptures that teach us about diligence:

Deuteronomy 28:1 Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

My prayer for you this week is that you will diligently seek God to know His Word; to be earnest and persistent to obey His calling and plans for your life.