Diligence is investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.
SOLOMON’S EXAMPLE OF DILIGENCE
By Ron Wallie
Husband and Father of Eight, Southington, Ohio
I Introduction
King Solomon is known for his wisdom. He should also be known for his diligence because he accomplished much in his lifetime.
II Solomon’s Diligence on Display
He not only administered the kingdom of Israel, which ruled that part of the world;
A He built the temple of God,
B He built houses for himself,
C He planted vineyards and orchards,
D He made gardens and parks and ponds of water for irrigation,
E He possessed large flocks and herds.
Solomon said, “I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor.” (Ecclesiastes 2:10)
Of course, Solomon did not do all this work alone, but he oversaw all of it. He made sure that all projects were done well and completed. In order to do this, he had to find many men who were faithful supervisors and skilled artisans in their work. Just one unfaithful worker could sabotage a project.
III Solomon’s Admonition to Diligence
Solomon also wrote many of the Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and is held by ancient tradition to be the writer of Ecclesiastes. One of the proverbs especially contrasts Solomon’s life with those who are lazy:
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24)
IV Application -- Diligence in Our Lives
A The “I will” statements for this month are these:
· I will finish my projects.
· I will do a job right.
· I will follow instructions.
· I will concentrate on my work.
· I will not be lazy.
B Diligence in my life this week
1 Review the “I will” statements
Are there any projects I have already begun which are not finished or need improvement? Complete these projects before starting new ones.
2 Make a list of your responsibilities at home, at work and to people (especially family). Pray over this list and ask God for His grace to be diligent in all your responsibilities and projects. Start each day reviewing this list and praying over it.
3 Lastly, memorize Proverbs 12:24: The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor.
Diligence is accepting each task as a special assignment from the Lord
and using all my energies to do it quickly and skillfully