Diligence makes good
We've looked in depth at sloth's consequences (yucky things like hunger and poverty and forced labor). We'll be quicker about the consequences for the diligent:
- make rich, get precious wealth, be richly supplied (10:4, 12:27, 13:4).
- have plenty of bread (12:11, 20:13, 28:19).
- rule (12:24).
- will lead to abundance (21:5).
These are wonderful things that anyone would want. But what is diligence? Uh oh...I feel a dictionary definition coming on...
from dictionary.com |
I take comfort in the fact that "perfect" appears nowhere in that definition. Neither are the phrases "have it all" or "Super Mom"...but we'll get to those next week.
Diligence is putting my full effort into what God has set before me. Daily, hourly, constantly. Not every day will be marked with accomplishments and check marks next to my to-do list, but every day can be marked by effort.
New Testament diligence
Even though this study has been on Proverbs, I wondered what Jesus and the New Testament writers had to say about the topic, and found a few notes in 2 Peter (emphasis mine):
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 2 Peter 3:14
So in our call to be diligent, we also find what we are supposed to be diligent about: pursuing God and knowing Him better, plus fighting our inherent sin nature.
Fighting sin nature and learning God's ways (through prayer, Bible study, etc.) are not the things I am naturally inclined to do. But diligence has its rewards, just as sloth has its consequences.
Hopefully this week I will remember those things as I go about my days. And hopefully you can, too, Lord willing!
So in our call to be diligent, we also find what we are supposed to be diligent about: pursuing God and knowing Him better, plus fighting our inherent sin nature.
Fighting sin nature and learning God's ways (through prayer, Bible study, etc.) are not the things I am naturally inclined to do. But diligence has its rewards, just as sloth has its consequences.
Hopefully this week I will remember those things as I go about my days. And hopefully you can, too, Lord willing!