It's the most dreaded question of the job interview, and when the time comes, you can't seem to push the words out of your mouth. Of one fellow-worker, Paul said, And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found, The more I study various virtues I am impressed that they are all interrelated. One month of self-control will not help us become all we can be in this life. Somebody said to me, Well, what about the work-aholics? I answered, One sermon at a time, please. When you are asked to serve in some way, dont attempt to take the path of least resistance (because of laziness). A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6, Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Do you want to know the ironic thing between the easy road and the hard road? And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:1012). There may be no wind at your back. Noah would have been reduced to using much simpler technology (no power tools maybe no metal tools). Dawn, noon & moon Nehemiah 4:21"So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared." The greatest success and wealth pertains to riches not of this life. He over and over again exhorts to it as the one means to the attainment of all Christian graces, and of all the blessedness of the Christian life. Pastor David Welch There is no leaving that task back at the office. Motherhood is one of the true full-time jobs. First, note that in our text, 'giving all diligence, add to your faith.' Even after the day is done, children do not go away. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons sons (Deuteronomy 4:9). These hardships must be overcome, or the lazy man, and those who depend upon him, will suffer mightily. Hard work yesterday does not guarantee tomorrows success. There is a middle ground between greed and laziness. Good, wise, saintly people may be industrious and wealthy without being greedy lovers of money. He will not even bring it back to his mouth. Proverbs 19:24. Like The Tortoise and The Hare story, a person born with less advantages, or fewer talents, with diligence can overtake or out-perform those who were given more. read more, Scripture: That is, the real power is not in a flashy start, but rather, true power is demonstrated in a continual movement towards completion. Scripture: [Proverbs 10:26; 19:15], 15. I did not read every single verse that addresses this subject. Of one fellow-worker, Paul said, "And we . Centuries ago others illustrated the same concept with the adages, Dripping water hollows a stone, or Drop upon drop collected will make a river. After you read through these principles, take the time to go back through and look up the origin of each principle in the book of Proverbs. That is to say, unless you work with haste, with earnestness, and therefore with much putting forth of strength, your faith will not evolve the graces of character which is in it to bring forth. In Scripture diligence is highly commended. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness (Proverbs 21:5). God's Breath Publications: http://www.godsbreathpublications.com/ Use your power, your intelligence, your vision, your gifts and all that God gave you, to do something. Therefore, use wisdom, look ahead, exercise forethought, and choose tasks as objects of your work that are of the highest priority. Be Patient, Work Humbly Do Not Expect Overnight Success, or to Get Rich Quick, Too often, people are willing to work hard, but they expect the world or their employer to reward them equally. We need to be hard workers. The 'diligence,' of which the Apostle thinks such great things, reaches, as it were, a hand up into heaven and binds a man to that great unrevealed, electing purpose of God. Here is what has helped me: As mentioned, the beginning or end of an important task can be the most difficult. God is over on the hard road. Thus we build it.. Our application has focused primarily on physical labor. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Because we dont want you to incur expenditure for which you are not prepared, could you please confirm whether you are willing to pay this charge, if necessary? The Lord will do special things through this message. There are those in How can I read through Psalms and Proverbs in a month? Romans 12:8, Denomination: Rivers upon rivers collected will make a sea. Pilot this strait by avoiding both extremes. Sloths are mammals who move only when necessary and even then very slowly. If we will put it forth, then the gifts that God has given, and which are not really ours unless we put it forth, will pass into the very substance of our being, and unfold themselves according to the life that is in them; even the life that is in Jesus Christ Himself, in all forms of beauty and sweetness and power and blessedness. Consider how your employer would evaluate you if his assessment was based on your work ethic in ministry. Cheat if you have to. It is called The Hard Way. It is comparatively easy to prosper by trickery, the violation of confidence, oppression of the weak, sharp practices, cutting corners, all those methods we are so prone to pileate and condone as business shrewdness. Diligence is the virtue of hard work, and is indicative of a belief that work in itself is good. Genesis 24:1-23, Pro 6:6 Lazy people should learn a lesson from the way ants live. Truly, when you have diligence, you do have real power. Understand the character building that is presently going on in you. Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of ding the hard work you already did (Newt Gingrich). Help Grace to You bring important resources like this to people in your community and beyond, free of charge. Noah still would have worked a day job to provide for himself and his family (, Three sons were born to Noah, approximately 100 years before the flood began (, Noahs father died 5 years before the flood (. The moments granted to any of us are too few and precious to let slip unused. Please be aware that these items are sent out from our office in the UK. As the calendar records the years, it becomes increasingly evident that the easy way rests upon a hazardous foundation of shifting sands, whereas the hard way builds solidly a foundation of confidence that cannot be swept away. It is the reason we enjoy electricity, modern medicine, technology, and all the other comforts of modern life. read more, Scripture: Understand that frequently you are not going to receive encouragement or applause for getting started. Ecclesiastes 11:1-8 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15). Copyright 2021, Institute in Basic Life Principles ~ Privacy Policy~ Terms and Conditions~Log In. So, I have challenged Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Lines and paragraphs break automatically. If you want to be a strong Christian -- that is to say, a happy man -- you must bend your back to the work and 'give all diligence.' This means to take pains, to strive for something. Dont fall into an entitlement mentality. Features Pricing Upload Sermon Get started for FREE. Inevitably, the lazy man will have to borrow to provide what he needs or wants. The lazy man always puts off for tomorrow. 'Diligence' makes faith fruitful. "Work is like an armour that protects a person against afflictions, and diligence is like a sword that wards off misfortune." Another scholar said: "Nothing is better than having a reason that is adorned with forbearance, a deed that is adorned with knowledge, and forbearance that is adorned with truthfulness!" Some scholars have said: But, because he simply wanted to eliminate any occasion for false teachers and sectarians to accuse him of using the brethren, he worked night and day, as a preacher and a tent maker (. He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me!" (Song 2:3-4 The Message)I recently had the opportunity to read through a personal testimony that I . These qualities are all related in one way or another to diligence and are qualities that, without exception, by every culture around the world throughout time. How much time off? Go on a journey. Of one fellow-worker, Paul said, And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things (2 Corinthians 8:22). It will release you into your divine destiny and will become a positive memorial in your life. Dont try to make money by deceit or fraud. How many days and weekends off? You may bear different fruit than you thought you would or even hoped for. Both exceptional and everyday experiences with the living Christ are good and necessary in accomplishing Gods work in and through us. Audio Sermon: http://www.godsbreathpublications.com/living-diligent-faith/ Quackery always deals in mysteries and rare things. We live in a madcap world that work the whole night and sleep the whole day with no time for Part 3 Serve Like A Girl Again we come to the more familiar translation of the word as in the text. Young Women: DO NOT under any circumstances whatever you do, DO NOT marry a lazy man! Introduction- The more I study various virtues I am impressed that they are all interrelated. Earnestness is the sentiment, of which diligence is the expression. 'All their yesterdays have lighted' such idlers 'to dusty death,' because in each they were saying, 'to-morrow we will begin the better course,' instead of beginning it to-day. Man is to seek God and His wisdom diligently: We are to study the Scriptures with great diligence: 2 Timothy 2:15, Elders are to rule diligently: 1 Timothy 5:12, We are to diligently strive for heaven: Hebrews 4:11; 6:11. The focus of this message is the command to serve the Lord with diligence. read more, Scripture: Why, because he was not worth it? Nobody goes to heaven in his sleep. You want to rest? The excuse may be far-fetched, but they will have an excuse. We have been looking at the spiritual gifts of the Body of Christ in Romans 12: prophecy (speaking Gods Word to others), However, if the lazy were not willing to do the work required to stay out of debt, they will not be willing to do the work to get out of debt. Thats what the sin nature does. Realizing that giving up will only lead to regret and frustration. When we understand God's design and heart for our work lives, it becomes something we no longer push through but thrive from. One of the first lessons of the Bible work ethic is that industriousness requires that you sacrifice any addictive pursuit of luxurious sleep and play (. Pentecostal, We must be diligent in taking initiative in our service to God. Diligence is hard work (Proverbs 12:24) 2. He is still an immature boy! Hurray! It is the way of getting up early and staying up late. Compare your life to those who live in the bad part of town, and compare that life to that lived by those on the other side of the world. TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 If he was going to survive, he had to do something else. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety., I Peter 2:18-20; Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:23-25, The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich., For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it., piercing yourself through with many a sorrow, The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor., Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Here are twenty practical principles from Proverbs to motivate you to work hard and avoid laziness. God teaches us to trust in him and in his Son our Saviour. When we are most intent we are most silent. But, only the diligent will succeed. [Proverbs 20:4; 27:18, 23-27], 12. Allowed HTML tags: