Diligence
by Jonathan Bailey
“But the precious possession of a man is diligence.”
Proverbs 12.27b
I am reading through the book of Proverbs and there is so much wisdom inside. I keep asking Jesus to give me wisdom, give me understanding! But one thing I am realizing is He gives it to us like a farmer gets a harvest, not like a boy gets a bike for Christmas.
Disciples of Jesus should be diligent. Things of value are marked by diligence. Are we diligent when it comes to seeking the kingdom, following Jesus or treasuring Jesus above all possessions?
Diligence: careful and persistent work or effort.
Precious: an object, substance, or resource of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
Instead of praying for wisdom I think we should pray for diligence. “Jesus make me diligent! You are precious to me!” We should cultivate it as best we can and allow Jesus to force the fruits and vegetables out of our fallow ground. Diligence is of great value because it leads us to our greatest value, Jesus. We should never think diligence is unimportant; it should never be wasted or treated carelessly. As we become diligent then and only then do we become wise.
“I would not work my soul to save
For that the Lord hath done.
But I would work like any slave
For the love of God’s dear son.”(author unknown)
Jonathan Bailey's Blog 
I think diligence is something I’m seriously lacking. As a disciple in training, prayer for diligence should be moved to the top of my list! I love that you included the definitions for diligence and precious. It’s so easy to throw those words around, but to look at those definitions and apply them to our relationship with Jesus makes you stop and think. Are we being diligent in our pursuit of Jesus? Is He, His love, His life truly precious to us? Thanks for a great post! Love you!
-Kori