How can we apply Jotham's example of diligence in our daily lives? Who Was Jotham? - Son of Uzziah, king of Judah (2 Chron 27:1–2). - Ruled sixteen years, “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,” yet wisely avoided his father’s prideful sins. - Not flashy, not loud—just faithful, steady, industrious. Verse in Focus “He built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel.” (2 Chron 27:3) What Jotham Actually Did • Invested in God’s house first—strengthened the temple entrance. • Fortified vulnerable places—repaired and lengthened the wall on Ophel’s slope. • Built cities, towers, and military outposts (v.4) without waiting to be pressured. • “Became mighty because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” (v.6) Timeless Principles We See • Prioritize God’s interests before personal projects. • Shore up weak spots rather than ignoring them. • Work proactively; diligence is intentional, not reactive. • Strength follows obedience—God honors steady faithfulness. Living It Out Today SPIRITUAL LIFE - Guard the “gate” of your heart with regular Scripture intake and prayer. - Patch cracks quickly—confess sin, restore broken fellowship. FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS - Strengthen entry points: daily conversation, shared meals, intentional encouragement. - Maintain the “walls” of trust—keep promises, resolve conflict quickly. WORK & STUDIES - Show up early, finish assignments fully (Proverbs 22:29). - Pursue excellence as service “for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23–24) CHURCH & COMMUNITY - Volunteer where repairs are needed—teach a class, fix a roof, mentor a teen. - Give beyond convenience; steady servants hold ministries together. PERSONAL GROWTH - Set goals, break them into tasks, review progress weekly. - Keep learning; add knowledge to faith (2 Peter 1:5–8). Scriptures That Reinforce Diligence • Proverbs 10:4—“Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” • Proverbs 12:24—“The hand of the diligent will rule.” • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not become weary in doing good.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58—“Always excelling in the work of the Lord.” • Luke 16:10—Faithful in little → faithful in much. A Simple Plan to Start Today 1. Identify one “gate” (priority) that needs attention—Bible reading, marriage, budgeting. 2. Set a realistic, measurable action for the week. 3. Schedule it—put it on the calendar like Jotham planned his builds. 4. Review progress on Sunday evening; adjust and repeat. 5. Celebrate small wins, trusting God to multiply steady obedience. A Life That Builds Jotham’s quiet diligence still speaks: build what matters, fortify what’s weak, and keep ordering your ways before the LORD. God supplies the strength; we supply the steady hands. |
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