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| G. S. Adeyemo |
TEXTS: - Jeremiah 31:16 “Thus says the LORD, "Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears; For your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD, "And they will return from the land of the enemy.”
Proverbs 10:4 “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Definition
Diligence and hard work are words we use interchangeably. They are associated with assiduity, persistence, determination and consistence. However, I will like to stick to the former. Diligence means that we are continually working toward our goals, making use of what resources and opportunities are available. We are vigilant to avoid errors and to stay focused on the task at hand. Our diligence provides a basis for people trusting us with jobs that are tricky or complicated and also important to them. Miguel De Cervantes says, “Diligence is the mother of good fortune, and idleness, its opposite, never brought a man to the goal of any of his best wishes.”
Observations
God rewards diligence. Whatever you do, never shrink or lag. It may be inconvenient at a start but God is watching and will never overlook every drop of your sweat. The word of God says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5. Those great men and women of the Bible are rewarded for their diligence search and service for God. Though we are saved by faith yet we are challenged to be diligent in service. 1 Kings 11: 28; 2 Chronicles 24:13; Ezra 5:8; 2 Corinthians 8:11; 1 Timothy 5: 17; Proverbs 10: 4; 2 Thessalonians 3: 10
Rewards of Diligence
A diligent hand rules others Proverbs 12: 24
Harvest of Riches Proverbs 10: 4
Diligence brings favour Proverbs 11: 27
Application
How to be Diligent
1. Remove distractions. Stay focused and do not be distracted by your phone, internet, television, friends and anything that will not contribute to your goals.
2. Keep yourself organized. Keep your diary or calendar of activities closer to you. You are advised to have to-do-lists. Learn to plan well and stick to your action plans except when it is stringently necessary to alter it.
3. Put first thing first. Prioritize your activities in order of importance. The word of God talks about precept upon precept and line upon line. I am sure you have heard of putting the horse before the cart and not the other way round.
4. Maximize your time. This is one thing we cannot recreate or expand. Both the rich and the poor have the same numbers of hours per day. Use your time efficiently. Do not spend too much time on what cannot add value to your status. Chatting without gaining is self destroying.
Conclusion
Activities do not bring productivity but intensity and assiduity will earn you favour. Diligence does not remove faith but activate it. Without diligence you cannot study the word of God effectively. Prayers will be lifeless without diligence. Therefore take heed to Divine instructions from the Bible that says, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.…” 1 Timothy 4: 14-16.
Remain blessed in Jesus name.
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