Wisdom Is Diligent

Let me encourage you to be diligent in all endeavors, not complacent or passive. Passive people want something good to happen to them, thinking they will sit and do nothing while waiting to see if it does. But that is not the way to a successful and enjoyable life.

We are partners with God. He has a part to play, and we cannot do His part no matter how hard we try. We also have a part to play, and God won’t do our part no matter how much we would like Him to. He gives us the knowledge and strength to do what we need to do, but we must choose to take action and do it.

God does certain things for us with no effort on our part. For example, salvation is available to us by His grace, not because of anything we have done to deserve it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Mercy cannot be earned or deserved, and forgiveness of our sins is a gift from God. But we still need to ask, and ask in faith, in order to receive them. God wants us to avoid works of the flesh (using our energy trying to do what only He can do).

God has gifted me to teach His Word. I couldn’t do it without Him, but He doesn’t do all of the work for me. I still study, develop messages, and go over them many times, making sure I have done my part before I step onto a platform expecting God to do His part. I work, but I don’t get into works of the flesh (self-effort apart from God’s leading and grace) and become frustrated about the work I am doing. I do my part and trust God to do His part.

The idea that God provides but that we still need to be active and do what He gives us to do started in the Garden of Eden and runs throughout His Word:

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
(Genesis 2:15 NIV)

God provided the garden, and He gave Adam the ability to take of it. But Adam had to choose to follow God’s instructions.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
(Proverbs 14:23 NIV)

Throughout Proverbs we find that passivity, laziness, and an unwillingness to work hard cause problems. However, when we’re committed, diligent, and willing to work, every effort we sow will bring an abundant harvest into our lives.

Ask yourself: Where in my life do I need to grow in diligence?