In the Bible, diligence is applying constant effort toward reaching a goal. Our memory verse, Proverbs 22:29, states, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” When a person applies constant effort in building a business, God takes notice and so do others. It is rare today to find someone who will work and build something. That person will always stand out from the crowd and will be promoted and rewarded for their diligence.
Another chapter in Proverbs that mentions the idea of diligence is Proverbs 6. The example is given of the industrious ant. The ant is diligent even though no one guides her, no one leaves instructions, and no one makes her do her work.
We need to train our children to have the character trait of diligence and to employ an “ant attitude.” Someone with an “ant attitude” is diligent about work and about life in general. Something as simple as waking up on time without someone waking you up is an example of being diligent. A diligent student does all his homework without being told to do so. A diligent child listens carefully to instructions and carries them out without needing to be reminded.
Someone with an “ant attitude” is also diligent about his or her church. A diligent person will not have to be told to sit up, be quiet, and pay attention. A diligent person will not miss church services.
Another area in which diligence is necessary is the matter of prayer. Many of God’s people are no longer diligent about seeking their Heavenly Father with the needs and burdens they have. Today, we ought to go back to a time when focusing constant attention on important things included prayer. It is amazing to see what happens when God’s people pray. The results can be tremendous.
Let’s encourage our children to be diligent in these areas, because they will live rewarding lives as a result of their own diligence.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29