Gotta admit, it was something I need
Dictionary.com defines "diligence" as: constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
In other words: do it. Do it now. And do it until it's done. Don't procrastinate (one of my vices), and don't give up. Plug away at it. Keep at it until you complete the task at hand. And then start another one.
I tend to struggle with diligence, especially with procrastination. What I did not realize (kinda stupidly, I guess) is that God had something to say about it.
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." -- Proverbs 6:6-8
"He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him." -- Proverbs 11:27
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." -- Proverbs 13:4
And so... I shall work on being diligent.
1 comment:
"And do it until it's done".
I think one of the key tenents of diligence is that it doesn't mention an end date. "Constant and earnest effort". "Persistent exertion".
Diligence is about accepting that there may be some things with which you are never done - and dedicating yourself to the effort regardless. You commit to your spiritual health as an exercise in diligence for life - you aren't finished after attending one mass. Taking care of your health is no different. It doesn't stop once you hit an ideal number on the scale - you have to make effort to maintain. That's why a lot of people regain weight they've lost - they accomplish a goal. And then what? Accepting it as an exercise in diligence rather than as a goal to be done with once accomplished may be helpful.
Post a Comment