DILIGENCE: faithful application to one’s work. Deuteronomy 4:9. Maintaining my soul requires diligence; there is no doubt about that. The keeping of my soul depends on my effective response to my conscience. That, in turn, will guide and sustain me on the path of GOD’S WILL. [De. 4:9] I am told to “diligently keep the commandments of the Lord.” It should go without saying that His commandments are not suggestions. My convictions that the commandments of the Lord are GOD’S WORD will keep me from a casual attitude toward the scriptures of truth. [De. 6:17] I have been challenged to “keep thy precepts diligently.” Far be it from me to shrug any of these holy practices to one side. My conduct bears a clear testimony as to what I think of GOD’S WAYS. I must walk in such a way as to be able to be identified as one of His own. [Ps. 119:4] The inner man is often referred to as “the heart.” “Keep thy heart with all diligence” implies I have a serious responsibility here. This action will reflect the depth of my commitment. My commitment, in turn, will put on display my attitude toward GOD’S WORK. [Pro. 4:23]
As I pay attention to myself, I am not content to go on day after day without considering each issue of life or responsibility entrusted to me. I will sincerely examine each activity that my heart and soul reflect on; then, carefully, I will take action. God’s ways are the plans that He reveals to those who seek Him. The acts are generally a response to God’s will that is more surface-level. I must keep all that my eyes have seen in the hidden parts of my heart. This way, I have them close at hand when the opportunity arises to talk to my family and grandchildren about the things in my soul. I am to be a diligent teacher to those closest to me, speaking of the things I have experienced with God whenever the time is right [De.6:7]. I must be diligent in seeking understanding before making decisions. The choices I make may impact others, and it is my duty to consider everything carefully before forming a judgment [De.19:18]. In the busy affairs of earthly life, I am to be diligent, not lazy, but passionate. In this area of my life, I am also reminded that I am God’s servant.
My entire life does not belong to me; I am His [Rom.12:11]. As a worker in His vineyard, I must stay consistent and actively engaged in eternal matters. I have been called to advance His work. God forbid I ever “take it easy” when the time is so short [1 Cor.7:29-31]. The duty of preaching the Word is serious and should not be taken lightly. Nor should it be confined to words spoken behind a desk to an audience that is captive. I am accountable for using every resource at my disposal to bring light and life to men and women around me [2 Tim.4:1-5]. The special objects of my diligence are the soul, the commands of the Lord, the heart, the graces that Peter tells me to add one after the other, and the calling I have received.