Work

The word “persistent” stands out as an area worth exploring further while unpacking the idea of diligence.

The word itself indicates a continual and ongoing personal pursuit. It seems that this is a personal decision that we get to make as individuals. The thought occurred to me that if we try to outsource the work God has desired for us to do, we potentially remove our hand from the blessings that He has planned.

If we recognize that to be true, we begin to understand that the culmination of guarding and planning meets at the moment we choose to take action. This is a personal decision and, quite frankly, is the area that many struggle with, as taking action requires intentional effort.

The sticking point for many is when the action we are required to take is not in alignment with our idea of what makes us happy. For example, imagine you have a goal to eat cleaner food and lose 10 pounds. The process begins by identifying the areas in your current patterns that are holding you back. Then, new foods are explored that are rich in nutrients and a meal plan is created that will yield sure-fire results. At this point, diligence has been executed at the highest level, but the most important decision is yet to come - are you going to put the plan into action or go your own way?

If we choose to execute the plan as defined, as difficult as it may be, positive results will be manifested. Yet, as Proverbs reminds us, our hands sometimes become slack, we allow the distractions of the work to trip us up and, as a result, seek a momentary path free of friction and full of ease. Proverbs also reminds us that riches (actual riches or riches of relationship and fulfillment) come to those who remain diligent. This begs the question, is a momentary path free of friction and full of ease actually free of friction and full of ease? It is this dichotomy that believers are aware of and can use to stabilize themselves when tempted to be less diligent. The seemingly easy path is not easy, and we can forge ahead knowing that the diligent path is indeed better.

The diligent path is not better because we are better than others or because we have some magical gift. It is better because we recognize who the plan originates from and how we are simply being obedient to what He has called us to do.

Questions to Consider

1. How does understanding that your work is rooted in obedience influence your mindset and approach to daily tasks?
2. Have there been moments in your life where the action required for a goal was not initially aligned with your happiness? How did you navigate this tension, and what were the outcomes of choosing to execute the plan despite the initial discomfort?

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Thank You

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