A diligent person wants to work, make a difference, and contribute to their families and to society. Whether we’re in employment or we’re a student, does that describe us? Are we diligent in our work? Sometimes we can end up resenting the fact we have to work. Or we feel that the work we’re doing isn’t what we’d like to be doing or isn’t valued because it’s not a job in ministry. Throughout the Bible, people had all sorts of jobs. God gave Adam the job of tending the garden (see Genesis 2:15). Jesus was a carpenter (see Mark 6:3). And Paul, one of the greatest Christians in history, was a tentmaker (see Acts 18:1-3). We may not always enjoy the work we’re doing, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try our best and put our all into it. The Bible says: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV). When we think that our work is for God, whatever we’re doing, then it’s easier to do the work with diligence and motivation. And it’s not just our day-to-day work that we need to be diligent in. We need to be motivated in developing our relationship with God and with building our character to become more like Jesus. Peter wrote: ‘For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love’ (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV). We need to be diligent in developing these qualities too.

What Now?

Whatever work you have to do today, work as if you were working for God. At the end of the day spend some time reflecting on whether this changed your attitude and actions.