Diligence… when was the last time that word came up in casual conversation?

“Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23 NASB).”

Diligent: showing persistent and hard-working effort in doing something ‘Encarta Dictionary: English (North America)’

Does that describe you?

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty (Proverbs 21:5 NASB).”

I believe that diligence, discipline and devotion are closely related.

Diligence requires self-discipline (self-control).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, ‘self-control:’* against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB).” [*my emphasis]

If a man is truly devoted to his wife and family, he’ll discipline himself. He will be diligent in his work. As a good husband and father, devotion and love will be motivating factors. 

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:10-11 NASB).” 

We serve the coming Lord…

“But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14 NASB).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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