Working hard is good for the soul. It is almost hard to believe that I can look back on over 22 years of working at the various places I have been employed. That is just a drop in the bucket compared to some folks I know, but I have strived to put forth a good effort with a good work ethic at each place I have toiled. A big part of it I owe to the excellent teaching of my parents. But it is also a dynamic choice one makes as we live and move on this earth. How hard and much we work plays a huge part in the unfolding dramas of our lives. Some live to work and others work to live. Each of us ultimately decides on which side of the balance beam we fall to.
The truth is captured by James Merritt, who writes, "One of the greatest lessons you will ever teach your kids is that all work is valuable. All work can and should be done for the glory of God. The sum of the matter is found in this simple statement: 'In all labor there is profit' (Proverbs 14:23)."
Just as in our vocational life, we have a calling to diligence (constant and persistent attention to one's work) in the most important endeavour of all of life - our relationship with Almighty God. As we contemplate diligence, we can look at hard work in dicipleship, delivering on our word, and deciding to be compassionate.
"...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."- 2 Peter 1:5-8
Read that scripture passage again, slowly, and take it in. See the promise of knowing God more if you begin with diligence.
Walking in newness of life definitely includes discipleship, the growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus and becoming more like Him. Reading God's Word is key. The Bible can and will absolutely change your life - but you have to read it. You will get the direction you need and long for. As David Jeremiah so aptly says, "God has His own Route 66, it is the 66 books of the Bible." Become a true disciple of His and enjoy the unfolding adventure.
Diligence in delivering on your word is key to every single relationship you have. Honesty, clear crisp honesty, will refresh each heart touched by it. Honesty is vital for integrity. Honesty is not just the "best" policy, it should be the only policy.
Then there is the rewarding hard work of deciding on compassion. Simply, look for opportunities to help those who need it, even if they might not seem to deserve it. Pray for natural opportunities to share a cup of cold water with a thirsty soul and let them know the Hope you have.
Pray something like this from your heart:
Father in Heaven, please let me know this very day who needs a hand. Please help me know you more and live out the faith you have measured to me.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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