WEDNESDAY MUSING

TODAY: DILIGENT

Over the next two days, we look at two words - Diligent and Negligent. We do this for their stark contrast in relation to each other and especially in its descriptive attributes, as regards the Faith and Walk of the Believer. Too many modern church-goers are engaged in the latter while God demands the former.

Websters defines DILIGENT as an effort which is earnest, steady and energetic. The best description though, is, as usual, found in the Bible! Here is 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV) "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall" The actual word for diligent here is "spoudázō" in the original Greek and carries even more urgency with it!

We see how swift and evil the times are! We are heading towards a cliff of disaster not only as a people, but individually if a person is not saved - by Repentance and putting their complete Trust and Faith in Jesus, the Lord and Savior! So the actual literal meaning of Diligent here to the Christian is the following:

- Look, time is short, act swiftly and check yourself against God's Word daily to make sure you are both walking with Him and in the Faith.

- Do not linger or waste time, because who knows when God will demand our souls of us. This could your last day, are you ready to face your Maker?

-  You had better fully engage all your senses - from the visual to the spoken - and do so with energy, because you were assigned a Commission on Conversion. This Commission has to be executed with energy which exhibits your love for the Savior or else, step aside and let those who will, do!

All of this is tied up in this ONE Greek word (spoudázō) in 2 Peter 1:10!!!  So here is the task for this day. Please look over this verse again and what the word DILIGENT really means and see if the description of its meaning is reflected in your own lives.

Then read these three verses from Proverbs, where the word DILIGENT is the SAME Hebrew root word "Charuwts" and walk in that truth, on a steady, consistent and yes - DILIGENT basis! Amen:

The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24

Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. Proverbs 12:27

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:4

TOMORROW: NEGLIGENT

(image by google)