Topical Bible: Diligence: Keeping the Soul

◄ Diligence: Keeping the Soul ►

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Diligence, as a biblical concept, is often associated with the careful and persistent effort to maintain one's spiritual well-being and to live in accordance with God's commandments. The term "diligence" in the Bible is frequently linked to the idea of guarding one's heart and soul, ensuring that one's life aligns with divine principles.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of diligence in various aspects of life, particularly in spiritual matters. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the necessity of being vigilant in protecting one's inner being, as it is the source of one's actions and attitudes.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to be diligent in their spiritual growth. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 , he writes, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." Here, diligence is portrayed as an active pursuit of spiritual virtues, which are essential for a fruitful Christian life.

Diligence in Spiritual Warfare

The concept of diligence is also crucial in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage highlights the need for constant vigilance and preparedness in the face of spiritual challenges. Diligence in this context involves being steadfast in prayer, immersing oneself in Scripture, and maintaining a strong faith.

Diligence in Stewardship

Diligence is not only about personal spiritual growth but also about being faithful stewards of the resources and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of being diligent with what we have been given. The servants who diligently invested their talents were commended, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked. This parable teaches that diligence involves actively using our gifts and opportunities to serve God and others.

Diligence in Community and Relationships

The Bible also speaks to the role of diligence in maintaining healthy relationships within the Christian community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Diligence in this context involves being intentional about fostering fellowship, accountability, and mutual encouragement among believers.

Warnings Against Negligence

Scripture provides warnings against the dangers of negligence and complacency. Proverbs 24:30-34 offers a vivid illustration: "I went past the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down." This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities, whether in physical or spiritual matters.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the phrase "keeping the soul" in conjunction with diligence, the overarching theme is clear: diligence is essential for safeguarding one's spiritual life, fulfilling one's God-given responsibilities, and fostering a vibrant Christian community. Through diligent effort, believers are called to pursue holiness, resist spiritual complacency, and remain faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities God provides.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life: but teach them your sons, and your sons' sons;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Keeping and Kept
... If we are to keep our hearts with all diligence, we must be ... effort, but is to enter
in and possess the soul which it ... There is no keeping by God without faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm

Introduction
... and constant* use of all holy means to preserve the soul from sin ... Point out those
seasons which especially call for this diligence in keeping the heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/introduction.htm

First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ...
... which is nothing but the constant care and diligence of such a ... will surely cost thee
some groans and pains of soul. ... The keeping of the heart is a work that is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/first i am to consider.htm

"Where Our Lord Appeareth, Peace is Taken, and Wrath Hath. No ...
... all the Revelations, and was with great diligence beholden, that ... we securely safe
by the merciful keeping of God ... we are fully safe; suddenly is the soul oned to ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xlix where our lord.htm

The Sixth Season
... requiring this diligence in keeping the heart ... How often does the poor soul cry out,
'O Lord, how gladly would I serve thee, but vain thoughts will not let me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

The Last Season
... reader, consider well these special benefits of keeping the heart ... your endangered
soul revered safe ... and indispensable duty to keep the heart with all diligence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... of our graces depends on the keeping of our ... I never knew grace to thrive in a careless
soul. ... in a heart not kept with care and diligence, these fructifying ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

'Into Thy Hands'
... helping us to keep our hearts with all diligence, and to ... what you will get if you
commit your soul to God ... be our experience if we will commit the keeping of our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/into thy hands.htm

The Ninth Season
On Keeping the Heart. ... have smarted severely for their want of watchfulness and diligence
at such ... Yielding to such a temptation will do your soul more injury ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ix the ninth season.htm

Another Season,
On Keeping the Heart. ... if they are sufferings for Christ's sake and the Gospel's,
spare no diligence to keep your ... Rather let your body and soul be rent asunder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xi another season.htm