Seek To Be Diligent In All You Do

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV).

Some people seem to have a natural ability to succeed; others seem to fall short in their endeavors. What makes the difference in reaching the goal and missing the mark? In many cases, the answer can be found in one word: diligence. If we look up “diligence” in a dictionary or thesaurus, how do we find it defined? Persevering application, exertion, intent, vigor, and care to name a few. Diligence is an attitude that drives us to accomplish a mission successfully.

But, what about you? Are you truly diligent in your projects or undertakings? Do you pursue your projects with a positive attitude? Do you work as hard as you can? Are you really determined to succeed? Do you pursue your goals with perseverance and determination, convinced that you are able to succeed?

God wants to put food on the tables of the world, so if you are in the food industry, you are God’s partner. God wants to supply all the stuff at Walmart that you need to live, so if you manufacture or pack or truck or ship or repair or stock or sell or manage money or whatever you do, it’s serving God. God wants to clean people’s teeth and have kids learn math. He even wants us to have computers to create and communicate information. So God equipped you to help Him. Our work is partnering with God.

As followers of Christ, it is our job to fulfill God’s intention for work so that He is glorified. We are the chosen few who really can do our work with inner motivation because we know that we are really serving Him. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24). Paul urged the Corinthians that “…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Glorifying God is not something that only happens within the walls of the church. God is just as interested in being glorified on a weekday afternoon as we try to be productive in the sleepy slump after lunch as He is during the uplifting crescendo of a worship anthem on Sunday morning.

If I want God’s financial blessing on my life I must do my work, whatever I’m doing, as an act of worship. No matter what you do. You may sweep the streets – it’s more than just a job. You’re doing it as if you’re working for the Lord, no matter what you do. And whatever you do, do it with all your heart.

Discussion Questions:

What does good planning and hard work lead to in Proverbs 21:5?
What do diligent hands bring to us in Proverbs 10:4?
What needs to change in your heart for you to cultivate the quality of being diligent?