Diligence is not a matter of compulsion or coercion, but inherent character attribute; just as negligence is. Diligence and negligence are like chalk and cheese. Cheese is edible and can nourish while chalk can do neither. Need I add that negligence should be avoided like the plague. A brief explanation what negligence is will bring out a vivid picture of what diligence is. Negligence is the act of wilfully shirking responsibilities and lacking concern in every worthwhile venture. It is a deliberate failure to act with the prudence that any reasonable person would exercise when faced with any similar situation.
Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks of this piece, which is the fibre of diligence. Diligence or persistent work effort, is a fabric that is made up of delicate but firm fibres. Fibres in this perspective talks about the inherent laudable attributes that is visible in a man of diligence.
A diligent man is distinguished by the mark of thorough care and perseverance in carrying out tasks without complains, coupled with firmness of purpose. Accordingly, Proverbs 22:29 asks us: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Diligence falls under two categories; one is partial while the other is total. A man exhibits partial diligence if kudos could be given to him in one or two of these spheres: vocation, ministry, home and society. Contrariwise, a man that receives encomium in all these fields has portrayed total diligence. Let’s scan through the intrinsic fibres of a diligent knight.
First, a diligent don is a busy man who is actively involved in a work so as to achieve a laudable and beneficent purpose. His innate hardworking trait enables him to work like a beaver, industriously and enthusiastically.
Second, he exercise caution in all his dealings by showing care, zeal and attention.
Third, a diligent man is prudent. Every decision he takes is marked by sound judgement. As a provident father, through the leading of the Holy Spirit he has earmarked a godly and goodly plans for his family and how to attain the pinnacle of success in his business or career. His eagle eye acquired through his knowledge of God enables him to discern future occurrences, unlike a negligent man who is so short-sighted that he can barely see further than his nose because he has no special relationship with his maker, the all-knowing God.
Fourth, responsibleness is also a notable feature of diligence. A man who gladly assumes the moral obligation of taking care of his family without complains, and duty-bound to serve God with every fibre of his being is a diligent person. Wherefore… brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall (2 Peter 1:10). So, it is an evidence of diligence when a man makes up his mind to diligently love the Lord, serve him with all his heart and soul, besides living according to his precepts (Deut 11:13), while Proverbs 7:15 states, I came forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face.
Faithfulness is also embedded in diligence. A diligent man is faithful in his affection towards God, his family and vocation. He is constant in adhering to his ideals as the northern star; he is consistent with facts, not deceptive and engages in straight dealings. There is nothing fraudulent about him. He is renowned for exactness and does not blow hot and cold at the same time. He is a man of precision and decisive in all his undertakings.
Patience is an additional moral fibre evident in a diligent fellow. To be patient is to endure trying moments with even temper. A patient man knows that an oak is not felled with one stroke, and that he must learn to walk before he can run, so he has clothed himself with uncomplaining courage. Patience is a virtue that strengthens the cords of diligence. John Mason opined: Don’t be impatient; remember, you can’t warm your hands by burning your fingers.
A tolerant man is a diligent chap. This chap will not start a storm in a teacup, fussing over inconsequential matters. He is so agreeable that he is mindful of the right and opinion of others because he knows that intelligence is not evenly distributed. And that is what I call tactfulness.
In summation, I will say wisdom is the main strength of diligence. This is because wisdom is the timely and accurate application of knowledge; as such it is a perceptible trait in a diligent man. Every step and comment will be prompted by wisdom. Let us put the devil to shame by shunning negligence and embracing diligence in every facet of our lives to glorify the Most High God, our eternal redeemer and our maker.
Editor: Tflame
