Importance of Diligence in Christian Daily Life
Diligence in Christian daily life is presented in scripture as a vital aspect of faith, encompassing various duties and attitudes. It involves a focused effort in spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and practical responsibilities [1].
The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to cultivate diligence. Paul encourages Timothy to "give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth" [2]. This highlights diligence in theological study and teaching. Similarly, the letter to the Ephesians calls for "using diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace" [3]. This suggests that maintaining communal harmony requires active effort. The author of Hebrews also warns against spiritual negligence, urging believers to look "diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God" [4]. John Gill interprets this as a call for church members to watch over one another, ensuring no one falls away from God's grace [8].
Diligence extends to personal spiritual disciplines. Christians are called to be diligent in seeking God, obeying Him, hearkening to His word, and striving for spiritual perfection [1]. This includes cultivating Christian graces, guarding one's soul and heart, and engaging in "labours of love" [1, 9]. The "Torrey's Topical Textbook" lists numerous areas where diligence is required, such as guarding against defilement, seeking to be found spotless, and making one's calling and election sure [1]. John Gill, commenting on Proverbs 4:23, emphasizes the need to "keep thy heart with all diligence," protecting the mind from vanity, error, and perverseness [7].
Beyond spiritual matters, diligence is also applied to practical life. Proverbs 27 suggests diligence in "lawful business" [1]. John Gill notes that diligence is a duty to oneself, as one's needs require labor [5]. This perspective aligns with the broader Christian understanding that faith impacts all areas of life, including work and provision for one's family [6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- 2 Timothy “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. -- 2 Timothy 2:15”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:3 (Darby) — using diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace.”
- King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 12:15 — Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:26: Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 4:6: Be careful for nothing,.... This must be understood not in the most extensive sense, but with a limitation and restriction. There are many things that saints are to be careful for, as men and Christians; they are to be careful of their bodies, as well as of their souls; of the health of them, which is to be preserved by all lawful means, and not exposed to unnecessary danger; and for their families, to provide things honest for them, proper food and raiment, and the necessaries of life; for whoever does not do that, denies the faith, and is worse than an infidel; ”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 4:23: Keep thy heart with all diligence,.... The mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out;”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:14: Looking diligently,.... Acting the part of bishops, or overseers, as the word signifies; and so this exhortation either respects officers of the church of the Hebrews, whose business it was more especially to inspect into the principles and practices of the members of it, and take care that they did not imbibe false doctrines, or live immoral lives; or rather the several members of the church, whose business it is to watch over one another, since this epistle seems to be written to the whole church. Lest any man fail of the grace of God; not the free favour and lo”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:10: And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence,.... In the constant exercise of the graces of faith and love, and in ministering to the necessities of the saints: there is a spiritual labour, diligence, and industry to be used by the saints; and former diligence is a motive to future; and is a means of attaining to full assurance, as appears by what follows; and this is to be shown for the glory of God, for the evidence of the above graces, and for an example and encouragement to other saints: and the persons addressed being "everyone", this shows the ”