Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11
The word diligent means to pursue something with keen attention and effort. It’s a word that often appears in God’s Word. We’re to “diligently” heed Scripture and do what’s right in His sight (Exodus 15:26); we must keep His precepts diligently (Psalm 119:4). Paul wrote, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15). Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Peter used this word twice in the first chapter of his second letter. In verse 5, he told us to diligently add virtue to our faith, and knowledge to our virtue. And in verse 10, he said, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure.” (Jeremiah)
Thoroughness, constancy, perseverance, persistence, zealousness, dedication, commitment; hard work, effort, concentration, care, and attention all describe the intent of the word “diligence”.
When you examine your life and how you are living for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ, do these words describe your effort toward that goal? Have the things of this world captured more of your life than living it for Jesus Christ’s honor and glory? We are to be in this world but not consumed by it or allow ourselves to be sucked into the vortex of what it deems as worthwhile and important.
When you lay your head on your pillow tonight give some thought to how you are living for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. Think about what is influencing what you do and what consumes your thoughts and actions. If you realize that this world has blinded your eyes and deafened you ears to things of God for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ, repent and determine to become diligent in your pursuit of living for Jesus Christ, studying God’s Word, and speaking light into a lost world without hope.
