careful and persistent work or effort

Diligence is sister to faithfulness and cousin to consistency. It’s comfortable to start something and never finish, to begin and let the effort drift in oblivion. I’m guilty.

I think people like to go in and out of various things because they like to stay in their comfort zone, let their emotions rule, and avoid disappointment at all costs.

“A lazy life is an empty life” - Proverbs 12:27a MSG

If you don’t believe me think about how proud you feel of yourself when you hit a personal milestone or how terrible you feel when it’s December 31 and you didn’t hit your resolution for the year.

Diligence is a steadiness in searching for the end. It sets a goal and keeps at it until it’s accomplished. Without patience, diligence morphs into a craze.

We all have dreams in our heart. Those dreams and desires and goals require steady action, persistent effort. “Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off” (Proverbs 13:11 MSG).

I don’t think I’ve ever regretted putting work into something I’m passionate about or where I believe my calling lives. The danger zone is becoming indifferent. That’s when we become uninterested in our God-given purpose, or even procrastinate living out our individual purpose.

I think the enemy will do whatever it takes to distract us. He’ll make it seem like sticking with something valuable is unbearable work. The lie of not being good enough or lacking in an area (time, skill, money, etc.) will try to tear us away from living life diligently.

A scripture that really stands out to me is Proverbs 12:24 MSG:

“The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.”

If God calls us to something specific, though it may take diligent work, it’s not restricting in nature. When God is involved, there’s freedom, never oppression.

God rewards diligence. He recognizes follow-through.

Encouragement: don’t give up, don’t get distracted; stay interested, stay steady.

Regret won’t live with the diligent.

5 Verse Study

• Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off.

  Proverbs 13:11 MSG

• 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.

  Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

• I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

  Revelation 3:19-20 NLT

• Whoso is wise [if there be any truly wise] will observe and heed these things; and they will diligently consider the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord.

  Psalm 107:43 AMPC

• The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.

  Proverbs 12:24 MSG