continued from 8/15/08
2. You will be in control of the situation, rather than have the situation control you.
Solomon says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack will be put to forced labor”(Proverbs 12:24, NASB). We all would prefer to have control of our own life rather than be controlled by our boss, company or other people around us. And those who are truly diligent not only control their destiny, but also enhance the achievements of those around them. I learned diligence from my father who emigrated from Canada to the United States. He worked extremely hard to be successful in the automotive parts business, eventually going into business for himself and enjoying great success. Later, he sold the business to go into the ministry. Within a few years, he planted a church in the small town of Greensburg, Pa.. When he retired, it was the largest church in the PA Conference. From that church, dozens of men and women went into ministry and many planted churches. Diligence pays off.
3. You will experience true fulfillment.
It seems that a vast majority of people are in a perpetual state of hunger. Not for food, at least, not in America, but for things. No matter what we have, it seems as if it is not enough. Contentment and true fulfillment seem to be as rare as finding gas under $3.00 per gallon! In contrast, Solomon tells us, “The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV). Imagine being so contented and fulfilled that you crave nothing! That is hard for me to fathom. But, that is the kind of fulfillment that is promised to the diligent. On the other hand, Solomon states in contrast, that the lazy or “sluggard craves and gets nothing” (first part of verse 4). Ouch!
Bishop Dayton Birt
Redemption Ministries
