DILIGENCE AND HARD WORK

All of us have various tasks to do daily and some involve more preparation and a longer time to prepare. There are times whereby we can fulfil the tasks with great confidence because we were diligent in our preparations and we have experience in what we needed to do. For example, a student may walk into the exam hall with great confidence because he knows the subject material well and has spent sufficient time studying. Yet, there were also times in which there was last minute mugging or not knowing the content well enough that would lead to panic. In such situations, one would wish that one had started preparations early. This also applies to all things we undertake.

The word “diligent” gives the sense that one is constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken or one is attentive, industrious, not idle or negligent as defined by Webster. 

The Bible speaks of the need to be diligent and we will consider the example of the ant given in Proverbs 6:6-8 whereby we will be able to understand the need to be wise, to be self-driven and to be well prepared and work diligently.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)

The “sluggard”, meaning the slothful, slow and lazy person is addressed in Proverbs 6:6. We need to reflect on ourselves and acknowledge if we have been lazy or lackadaisical in our ways and attitude. After acknowledging, we usually go to someone or a source for advice on what to do. The wise thing to do will be to go to the right source – the Bible.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

There is a need to always go to God, to the Bible and to faithful brethren for advice and example. The important thing also is to heed that advice. It is sad when people turn to the world for advice and help. It is also sad when people continue to persist in their own wrong ways and refuse to change. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 58:11 that “the LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” We read of God’s promise of guidance, care and comfort in His word. Indeed, we are assured of being guided properly when we turn to God for guidance instead of to the world.

In Proverbs 6:7, we read that the ant has no guide, overseer or ruler. Thus, the ant is self-driven, motivated and can work without supervision or reminder what to do. Are we motivated to work hard for the Lord without being told to do so or we have to be rebuked and reminded time and time again of our commitment to the Lord?

Being self-driven is so important in church work whereby initiative is very important as well. We see what needs to be done, where a gap needs to be patched, and we do it and do it willingly. If you have observed ants working together to carry food away - whether it is a grain of rice or a small piece of meat, they come together and seem to work seamlessly. Thus, we all need to take the initiative and don’t wait to be told what to do.

In Proverbs 6:8, we read of the need to be prepared and work diligently. The ant prepares ahead. The ant “provideth her meat in the summer”. The “eth” gives us an idea of an ongoing process. Thus, the ant constantly prepares for the current situation, the harvest months and also winter. We see of diligence and planning ahead. Not only does the ant prepare ahead, it works diligently as well. Have you seen ants resting? They always are moving around and doing something isn’t it? They always seem to be busy with something. That’s how hardworking and diligent they are. It is a reminder for us to work hard and not be lazy. There are consequences which follow. Proverbs 13:4 tells us that “the soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” We also read in Proverbs 10:4 that “he becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

A wise person prepares ahead and works diligently throughout.

There is a need for planning just like in the cost of discipleship as mentioned by Jesus in Luke 14:28-33. Not only must there be planning, there must be diligence throughout and no delay in working. Jesus said “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (John 4:34) He also said in John 9:4: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

What is one important thing we have to prepare ourselves for? That will be Judgment Day and eternity in heaven. We remember the parable of the ten virgins. Thus, there is a need to be prepared and a need to labour. Through His word, God has given us commandments, principles, advice, good and bad examples. We have learnt from Proverbs 6:6-8 of the need to be wise in going to the right source for advice and good example, and to follow the advice and examples. We have also learnt of the need to be motivated and self-driven such that we take the initiative always. Finally, we learn of the need to prepare ahead and to work diligently.

May we always strive to be hardworking and profitable servants of the Lord!

Ask Yourself:

1. Who/where should we go for advice?

2. What was Jesus focused on during His time on earth?

3. How can I encourage myself to continue working diligently for the Lord / How can I motivate myself to start working diligently for the Lord?

Suggested Answers:

1. The Bible (Psalm 119:105).

2. He was focused on doing God’s will (John 9:4).

3. You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.