November 9
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
2 Peter 1:5 - “And beside this, giving all diligence...”
With all the blessings God has bestowed on His children, one important quality we must have, according to Apostle Peter, is DILIGENCE. We need to exercise all diligence in our appreciation of all things we receive from the Lord. This includes giving all diligence in using the gifts we receive, not for ourselves but for the glory of God.
Diligence is “a necessary virtue required for victorious fulfillment in life. It is the persistent, determined, constant, and earnest effort to finish a task.” Godly diligence results in excellence. When there is diligence, excellence becomes a reality. “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” (Proverbs 12:27)
Diligence is the result of faith unfeigned. It is what makes faith never to give up and not to succumb to discouragement and failures. Godly diligence fulfills the greatest commandment - “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.”
(Matthew 22:37-38)
“Diligence” is “a steady perseverance in any endeavor, which results in careful and persistent work.” Diligent people get the job done. They won’t quit until they have given it their all. This word is positively used in the Bible. It brings excellent results. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
(Proverbs 10:4)
This proverb tells us that those who work diligently will most likely reap a good result, while those who refuse to work with diligence suffer the consequences. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 13:4)
Proverbs 4:23 - “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
King Solomon knows about the great effect of diligence if it comes from the heart. If we are not diligent to guard against evil thoughts and lustful desires, our enemy is standing by to take control. Diligence implies an intentional action of guarding our hearts rather than a passive acceptance of everything that happens.
To guard our hearts is “…bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
(2 Corinthians 10:5)
Paul instructed his son in the faith in Timothy 4:15 - “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” This is the spirit of diligence.
“These things” include our diligence in everything, such as our speech, testimony, service, conduct, faith, and love. This includes our love for the scriptures and coming together as a United people of God.
When we make diligence the common ingredient in everything we do, and we choose to do godly things, we set a standard for ourselves that will propel us toward godliness and a life of excellence.
My prayer to God:
Lord, we humbly approach Your divine presence with hearts overflowing with gratitude for the abundant life and blessings You provide to all Your children. We acknowledge that the potential for a blessed life is within our reach, a gift from Your loving hand.
We understand that You reward diligence, and You call upon us to embrace the spirit of godly diligence. We recognize that only those who diligently seek You will receive Your divine rewards. Lord, forgive us for any moments of laziness, procrastination, or indifference. Help us cast away the "take-it-easy" attitude that hinders our growth in faith and purpose.
We pray that You instill within us the unwavering commitment to diligently seek Your will and follow Your path. Grant us the strength and determination to be diligent in our pursuit of You, knowing that in doing so, we will be recipients of Your abundant blessings.
May Your grace and guidance lead us on the path of godly diligence so that we may truly experience the richness of the life You have prepared for us. Amen.