D I L I G E N C E
Diligence is the Christlike quality that I am going to focus on in October.
Diligence means: careful and consistent work or effort, persistent exertion.
I want to be diligent in my prayers and scripture study. I want to be diligent in listening to the voice of the Spirit. I want to be diligent in being obedient. In 3 Nephi, the people of the church are described as firm, steadfast and immovable because they had been diligent in keeping the commandments of God. My diligence pertaining to spiritual things can build a firm spiritual foundation. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
I need to be diligent in my studies and keep up on every class. Moroni 9:6 reads, "Let us labor diligently." That is what I need to do. I need to put in the time to do excellent work. In Alma 49:30, the people felt peace because of their diligence. I know that if I work hard in my classes, I will feel peace (and not fear or anxiety).
I want to be diligent in visiting teaching. I want to be diligent in meal planning and house cleaning. I want to be diligent in keeping my desk clean, visiting lonely people, watching out for my Dad, remembering birthdays, working in the yard, attending the temple, exercising, and being a supportive wife. This list is exhausting. Sometimes it is hard to be diligent at everything.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:27: "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness."
In Proverbs 12:27 we read, "The substance of a diligent man is precious." I love that. The substance of a man--can I take that to mean the character of a man? The character, or the soul of a diligent man is precious. That is such a tender thought. Why is it precious? Because day after day, choice after choice, minute after minute, action after action, that soul is being refined and polished. That man (or woman) is proving to the Lord what matters most to him, and what he deems important. That man is working and trying and laboring to improve and do good. That is why the substance of a diligent man is precious.
In Doctrine and Covenants 10:6 we read, "Be diligent unto the end."
Steady pace, steady pace and keep going.
No comments:
Post a Comment