by Daniel Mayberry
Synopsis: Diligence is demanded of God's people. How do we cultivate this quality in ourselves and our children?
You may have heard the saying, "If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well." The first recorded use of this expression was in a letter from Philip Stanhope, Fourth Earl of Chesterfield, to his son in 1746. He wrote, "In truth, whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well; and nothing can be done without attention." Perhaps you were told this at some point in your life. Similar thoughts are expressed in the Bible. For example, the writer of Ecclesiastes affirmed:
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going (Eccl. 9:10).
The term "diligence" is frequently used in the Scriptures and suggests this idea of making a great effort to accomplish something. It occurs in many forms in the New Testament, but looking at the verb speudÅ, it means "(1) to be in a hurry, hurry, hasten; (b) go in haste; (2) to cause something to happen or come into being by exercising special effort; (3) to be very interested in discharging an obligation, be zealous, exert oneself, be industrious" (BDAG, 937-938).
Sacred Scripture associates diligence with other desirable qualities. In 2 Peter 1:10, the apostle discusses the salvation that his readers enjoy: "Therefore beloved, give all diligence to make your calling and election sure." As Christians, we have received the gift of salvation. Let us be careful to stay in that condition, so that we may ultimately inherit God's blessings.
What is involved when we talk about diligence? Look at different ways it is used in Scripture. To start, it is the opposite of being lazy. In Hebrews 6, the writer encourages Jewish brethren, some of whom were in danger of returning to Judaism. In verse 11, he states, "We desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Disciples need to be diligent not to let go of the perfect law of Christ. Sluggish is descriptive of one who is lazy. Many proverbs contrast diligence with laziness. For example, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat" (Prov. 13:4).
In Luke 15:8, Jesus told a parable about a woman who possessed ten coins, but lost one. She swept the house and searched carefully until she found it. She showed diligence. We've all been in this situation, searching for something of value that we have misplaced, like our cell phone or keys. If the lost object is valuable, we will search for it with diligence.
Diligence communicates the concept of physical haste. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, likely facing death and knowing that his end was near, he urged Timothy, saying, "Make every effort to come to me soon" and again, "make every effort to come before winter" (2 Tim. 4:9, 21). If we are making every effort to accomplish an important goal, we will not procrastinate but will respond quickly.
Diligence is connected with growth. In 2 Timothy 2:14-15, Paul admonished Timothy, and by extension, all believers, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." We must not be content with casually reading the Bible, but should exert ourselves to accurate handling of the word.
Applying all diligence, Christians should grow in faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Pet. 1:5-11). Since these qualities must be ours and increasing, diligence in these areas is not optional. Does our parental example show our children that this is our most important goal? Do we surround them with other faithful Christians who care about them and will encourage them to serve God? The encouragement and positive example of brethren can push our children to reach deeper in their service to God.
Diligence should also be seen in benevolence. In writing to the Corinthians, Paul instructed Christians to contribute on the first day of each week to assist the needy saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:7-8, 16, 22). The time was getting close when the apostle would come and collect their contribution. Would it be ready? Did the Corinthians care deeply about helping their brethren? They needed to put their promises into practice. Do you know Christians today who, when they see a need, don't have to be told, but just act? Let's all have that attitude! Do our children see us practice benevolence? Are we, as parents, providing our children with opportunities of helping others who are less fortunate?
Proverbs 4:23 says, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." It is critically important for all disciples, especially the young, to guard their hearts. This doesn't just happen; it requires us to turn away from temptations as they present themselves. We cannot walk blindly through life, but must keep our eyes focused—watching our steps and making good choices along the way. May we diligently guard our hearts.
Moses emphasized the parental responsibility of teaching one's children: "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deut. 6:6-7). Let us abide by this command. As parents, we have a limited window of opportunity to teach our children. In a few short years, they will be grown and gone. This duty cannot take second place to entertainment, sports, or even our children's education. Have our children witnessed such an effort by their parents? If so, it will help stress the importance for them to teach others.
Another critical area where we should manifest diligence is when repentance is required. Paul commended the Corinthians for their swift change. After pointing out the need for change in his first letter, he followed up by saying, "Behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you" (2 Cor. 7:8-13, esp. v. 11). When we recognize that changes are required, we should quickly repent. When we make mistakes as parents, are we diligent in repenting and making whatever changes are necessary for our lives?
Finally, faithful Christians will diligently strive to enter God's promised rest (Heb. 4:11). They will labor so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the end (Heb. 6:11). They eagerly anticipate the coming of God (2 Pet. 3:12) and will strive to be found in Him in peace, spotless and blameless (2 Pet. 3:14).
We have looked at several areas where we should show diligence. Further applications can be made from God's word. The best teachers for our children are godly parents who recognize the need for diligence in all areas of life. May our lives reflect this quality every day.
So how do we cultivate diligence in our children? They need to know what diligence is, see it being lived out in others, and ultimately recognize the benefit in exercising diligence themselves.
BDAG = Bauer, Walter, Frederick W. Danker, William Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Author Bio: Daniel works for GAF, the leading roofing manufacturer in North America. He also serves as an elder at the Warfield Blvd church of Christ in Clarksville, TN. He can be reached at danielmayberry@icloud.com.
