Diligence

(Proverbs 4:23) “Keep your heart with all vigilance (diligence), for from it flow the springs of life.” – Here is a great insight from the law of wisdom.

How can we measure a person’s commitment? By their assiduousness to a specific task! Diligence is a word referred to in scripture and carries with it great intent. It is our hope that feeds our commitment with meticulousness and allows others to partake of fruits that flows from that commitment, which in turn will nourish their hope in Christ.

What then does it mean to “keep your heart”? It funds our resolve to wrestle with God in order to find grace to overcome so much opposition in our lives. It means that we must keep out all the evil thoughts of our hearts and ponder on the good ones. It reminds me of the daily battle that takes place in my soul and every time I look for victory I am reminded about Jacob’s encounter in the desert and he teaches me this lesson; “And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."” – For all who make it to heaven have this hope; “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'” (Revelation 2:17)  

Theoretically it is easily understood but to find the means to methodically carry it out is quite another altogether. Diligence then the key to finding victory and yet we must never forget that this must always be carried out within the constraints of God’s grace, no other methodology will do! If not, boasting will be our lot in life. These are the tricky nuances that need to be juggled correctly. Our first port of call in achieving the correct bearing, which is heaven bound, must always start with “GOD FIRST”; This way we get the order of our priorities straight and the rest will then follow as it ort.

It is God who has given us souls; we have the charge over them and we must learn to be good stewards with them. There is so much work to do! I get dizzy just at the thought of it, but then I am remind to tackle one thought at a time and then one day at a time. I am yet to tick the box whereby I can say I have arrived in this area of my life, but while we have breath we most certainly have hope. If we understand anything about our sister wisdom, we will embrace her advice with open arms. And it is with “diligence” (resolute commitment) that we must pursue her instruction if we want wisdom to be our companion. The instruction is plain and must be received as the author has intended, nothing mystical, plan and simply understood; “Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:24-27)

We all seem to have a different Achilles heel but we must never sweep that sin under the carpet, ponder upon it day and night, wrestle with it to find grace through it and then that which is crooked will be made straight. This is wonderful advice and our sister Wisdom illuminates the burrs that rob us of our victory in Christ, paying careful attention to her voice will leave the soul well nourished. God help us give “her” due benevolence!    

   

“Diligence” is an attribute well worth pursuing, from it will flow many precious palatable fruits. God’s commitment to mankind is clear for all to see, God sent His Son to save those who were lost and His commitment to us is amazing. He is perfect in wisdom and He has led the way, we owe Him our lives and at the very least diligence should be our resolve. I understand it is a process but we must look to our God to find grace to become more astute with our perseverance in Him. Sin and darkness will always look to steer us in the opposite direction, but we have the mind of Christ, may God help us learn to arm it with due diligence!

Signing off

Tyrone