Text : Proverbs 24:30-34
Memory verse:
“The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.”
Proverbs 12:27 NKJV
Diligence is not only about being hard working; and being lazy does not necessarily mean not working. Rather, it is being slothful about finishing what one has started or just procrastinating until a later time that may never come.
“I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down.” (Prov 24:30-31 NLT).
He actually tilled the ground and planted a vineyard but couldn’t follow through because of laziness. He would have procrastinated until the vineyard got filled with weeds and thorns. He watched to see his investment wasted!
Look at this again: “The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.” (Prov 26:15).
This is contrary to the life of the diligent. He starts and continues until his goal is achieved. He does it intentionally and correctly without rushing. Like the saying, “Measure twice cut once” Thus, diligence is doing things carefully, persistently, and steadily. It involves making constant efforts towards one’s goal and never quitting. Self-discipline promotes diligence. Self-discipline makes you continue to do what is right and to press on towards your set goal even when you don’t feel like doing it.
A Hebrew word translated as diligent means decisive and focused. Yes, it takes decisiveness and focus to persevere when the wind is blowing contrarily.
Dave Ramsey remarked: “Work is doing it. Discipline is doing it every day. Diligence is doing it well every day.”
Diligence will set you apart from the crowd and communicate excellence (Prov 12:24; 22:29). Diligent people are ordinary people who bring forth extraordinary results.
Friends, do you get excited at starting something but not following through? You need diligence. Diligence overcomes difficulties, but laziness makes them. Continuous effort and carefulness and not strength or intelligence are the keys to unlocking your potential and achieving your dreams.
Prayer points
1. Father, please help me to be diligent in my Christian walk and in all my businesses in Jesus name.
2. Father, let diligence set me apart for a life of excellence in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. Diligence keeps me going steadily, in spite of the odds.
2. Through diligence, I overcome all hindrances and obstacles.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng