We live in a world of distractions and getting the job almost done is acceptable but it that really how we are called to live? To overcome this we need the discipline of diligence. So what is diligence and how do we develop this in our lives?

This post introduced the hindrances and we want to look at each one and learn the discipline that will give growth. The goal is to put aside the hindrances and embrace the disciplines. When we do that we are growing and doing and being all the God is calling us to be and do.

Diligence is the opposite of laziness.  Proverbs speaks about a sluggard. The sluggard stays in bed, the sluggard gets nothing and other truths. Don’t be a sluggard, be diligent.

Be diligent in what God has called you to do. 

Diligence is careful and persistent work or effort. Diligence requires hard work,  focus, and perseverance.

Three Elements of Diligence

Hard Work – Sometimes you just need to dig in and work. It might be tackling the disorganized closet with all kinds of things piled on top of one another. You might need to take the time or learn a new skill. Diligence requires that you be willing to do the hard work.

Focus – “Oh, look there is a rabbit.” Off we go down a rabbit trail. Focus means putting aside the distractions and working on the task at hand. We all know about the bad distractions — all the notifications on our smartphone and Facebook. Not all distractions are bad some are just good things but not the thing that we should be doing at the moment. Writing this post is a good thing but if I should be focusing on making dinner then writing has become a distraction. I read this book earlier this year and have to say that it did challenge me to focus.

Perseverance – Perseverance is a combination of hard work and focus but adds the element of just continuing until the job is done. Even now as I am writing this I have my kitchen 95% cleaned (It is Wednesday and that is the day that the kitchen gets really cleaned.) I am tempted to just say it is done but I need to wash the floor. Then I can say it is done. Perseverance can be completely finishing the job and it can also be the enduring when it is hard and we are ready to stop.

 

What do you need to do?

How would you rate your diligence? Do you find it is easy to work hard? Are you easily distracted? Do you struggle to finish the job? Take some time and evaluate your diligence.

So the challenge is to be diligent. Work hard, focus, and persevere. All of this will overcome the laziness and you will be achieving what God has called you to do.

Now I am going to go and finish the kitchen cleaning. I need to persevere and avoid distractions.

What do you need to go and do? Just do it.

Humility – A Discipline for Growth