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Be diligent in Christ Jesus.

To be diligent is defined as "Characterised by steady, energetic effort." Diligence is part of a character trait that we are to grow within us a part of our christian character, similar to how we should grow the fruits of the Spirit. Diligence can be said to be the opposite of the sin of sloth, which is one of the seven deadly sins.

Proverbs13:4 "The soul of a sluggard desires but has nothing. But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich." I know many spiritual sluggards, whose only contribution to their spiritual walk is to grudgingly attend church occassionaly. These are the very same people who are constantly having problems in their lives, and who are constantly calling on the church leaders to solve their problems, and who are always wanting to know why Jesus is not there to sort out their problems for them.

The diligent are those who are prepared to spend time in reading the bible to deposit the word within their soul, dedicating a portion of their day to prayer to strengthen their soul, and actively forming a relationship with Jesus, being bonded to him in love. The diligent are constantly aware of the spiritual conditions around them, watching for the evil one who comes to rob, steal and destroy, and when they see the evil one approaching as a thief in the night, they are already dressed in the armour of God, ready for battle, a mighty army led under the direct command of the greatest leader, Jesus Christ.

The sluggard sleeps, and spends his time dreaming about his own needs which he wants everyone else to see to. He is not one to waste time in reading the bible or for spending much time in prayer. When the thief comes in the middle of the night, he is fast asleep and when he wakes up, he realises that all his treasure has been stolen (Matthew 26:41). Do not sleep for the thief comes to rob, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Be aware and alert, being armed with the full armour of God, that when the thief comes, you are ready to defeat him. Also be aware that the commander of the mighty army, Jesus, is also coming to visit soon, and those who are not ready, will be left behind (Matthew 24:44 Matthew 25:5).

Be diligent in all that you do, both spiritual and in your worldy positions, for in being diligent, you will reap the rewards of riches.