8/5/08 - True Diligence (Part 1)

Friends of Redemption Ministries,

I believe there is an accelerated advancement coming soon to Redemption Ministries. The relationships we have with one another has the potential to unify our hearts, strengthen our commitment to each other, and encourage each other to pursue our purpose with passion and diligence.

I believe “diligence”, may very well be be the key to achieving your purpose. Proverbs 22:29 says “Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings” .


True diligence involves much more than “persistent and hard-working effort in doing something”. But according to the wisdom of Solomon, we must add at least two qualities to the typical idea of diligence. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right” (NASB). The key words here are “pure” and “right”. Solomon uses the word “pure” not just in the sense of a moral or ethical value, but rather about work in its purest form. This word is more akin to a mining term than an ethical term. The idea there is that when one is digging for gold, he must find a rock, melt all the impurities and what is left behind is “pure gold”. This is the “pure” side of diligence. Its investing your day, hours, and minutes in whatever is your “work” to bring a return on your time and effort.

The other side of diligence is the “right” side. It’s about doing it “right” - expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively. In other words, doing it to the highest standards possible, regardless of what is demanded or expected. This would mean bringing creativity, persistence, and others into the effort to achieve an extraordinary outcome. Diligence is a learnable skill that combines creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and affective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence.

Wow! That sounds a bit much. But, remember, “Even a child…” So, why did I go into all this after mentioning the importance of a relationship within Redemption Ministries? Because it is human nature to follow the path of least resistance. We need to be motivated to choose diligence over our natural inclinations to “go with the flow”. Our relationships with the family of Redemption Ministries and beyond have great power to propel us toward our potential. So find someone to pull you up and motivate you to be diligent.

My prayer is that each church, pastor & minister will pursue their full kingdom potential with diligence, passion and integrity. May the honor of our efforts please him in everything we do. Please check back weekly for my continued teaching of the rewards of becoming truly diligent.

Until He comes again, I remain

Hooked for the Cause,


Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries