Diligence

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15

Do you work whole heartedly at what you do? If you represent Christ you should want to do your work in an honorable manner being trustworthy and diligent. In other words, you keep at it and go beyond the call of duty. Don't just do enough to get by but go beyond what is expected on your 'job description'. Our job should be to work hard for the Lord whatever our task is. (See Colossians 3:23). 

Do you suppose people see you as a go getter, mediocre, or a slacker? A good rule of thumb would be to work hard as if Jesus was right there or better yet that you were doing it for Him. Set an example for believers and non believers alike.

Today whatever you find yourself doing whether anyone sees you or not, know this, that Jesus' always see you so be diligent and charge on with a good attitude.

PRAYER: Lord I want to please you in all that I do. I choose to not be lazy but to work hard and set an example. I want to shine for you. In Jesus' name.Amen. 

BE DILIGENT

Have you heard the saying and the verse to 'pray and never give up?" Be diligent when getting to know the Lord. You can not just simply sleep on top of a Bible at night and expect to absorb its' contents. The Bible is not a boring book although many make it seem unexciting. The problem may be that you go to a 'dead church' where things are more 'religious,ritualistic and strict' and not about love and grace. 1 Peter 2:2-3 says "Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." Just like these newborn babes we need a longing or a diligence to grow in Christ. A baby will not grow without staying nourished on milk likewise we will not grow unless we are diligent to study the word of God and let is seep into our hearts and change us.

Hebrews 11:6 says"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." What does it mean to be diligent? The definition is 'Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking. A  steady effort or attentive care or heedfulness.' Persistence is the key. Nothing good comes easy. We are not to become lazy and lethargic. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and never give up" or in other words be diligent. When you are in the middle of a running race you would not think of just stopping and quitting if your goal was to get a prize. You continue to press on or to be 'diligent' in your efforts to maybe win a trophy. Our goal is to win the crown of life.

James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Hang on, keep plugging away and keep looking to Jesus.

PRAYER: My goal is to run with patience the race set before me to win the crown of life. I want to be diligent in what I do and steadfast. With your help Lord I can. Thank you ahead of time for helping me stay the course. In Jesus Name. Amen.