Christians who want to achieve God’s purpose in their lives should practice diligence. It is impossible to become a diligent Christian if we don’t have true faith. Living a diligent life should bring joy to a Christian. This is because God instructed us to keep our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). To be a diligent Christian is to be a true Christian. It is proof that we love God and that we obey His commandments. The truth is that our diligence gives us the assurance that we are indeed part of Jesus’s flock. It is a key attribute of being part of the faith.
God continues to reward His diligent children. Expect an increase in your life if you practice diligence and obedience. Diligent Christians will not be shaken even if life’s storms come strong upon them. This is because they know that what God has promised, He is faithful enough to fulfill. If we carefully examine, we will discover that diligence starts with faith. Without faith, our diligence is nothing but empty works. To fulfill God’s purpose in our lives, we need to make sure that we put our faith in Jesus first and then try our very best to become diligent.
Faith Without Diligence Is Dead
Although we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we also need to remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). This is not some Biblical contradiction. But what Paul and James are saying is that your faith should bear good works. The great reformer named Martin Luther once said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” To fulfill faith, it is important that we exercise it. And we can do this through Christian diligence.
Take note that it is faith and diligence that assure our calling and election. 2 Peter 1:10 says, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall.” Let us remind ourselves how important diligence is in our daily lives. Modern-day dictionaries define diligence as persistent and careful work or effort. The word “diligent” is synonymous with hard-working, earnest, and industrious. It is critical that we have conscientiousness in our work or duty as a Christian. Not having diligence simply means that we do not have faith in the Lord. When God says that He wants His children to be diligent, then we have to obey Him. Take note that Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.”
The parable of the five golden talents, which was told by Jesus, is a good example of how important diligence is in the Christian life. The parable tells us that God wants His people to be industrious with the talents that He has given them. God continues to reward those of His children that continue to do good works (Matthew 25:21). But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away (Matthew 25:29).
Here Are Other Verses That Talk About Diligence
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Proverbs 27: 23 (ESV)
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
Proverbs 24:30-32 (KJV)
30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
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