Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Cultivating Christian Graces

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Diligence is a fundamental virtue in the Christian life, essential for the cultivation of Christian graces. It is characterized by careful and persistent effort in one's duties and responsibilities, particularly in spiritual matters. The Bible emphasizes the importance of diligence in various aspects of the Christian walk, urging believers to pursue it as a means of growing in faith and godliness.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of diligence is deeply rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse highlights the rewards of diligence, contrasting it with the consequences of slothfulness. Similarly, Proverbs 13:4 notes, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." Here, diligence is associated with fulfillment and abundance, both materially and spiritually.

In the New Testament, diligence is further emphasized as a necessary quality for believers. Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages, "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." This passage underscores the role of diligence in achieving spiritual maturity and inheriting God's promises.

Diligence in Cultivating Christian Graces

Diligence is essential in the development of Christian virtues, often referred to as the "fruits of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). The Apostle Peter provides a clear directive in 2 Peter 1:5-7: "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." The phrase "make every effort" is a call to diligence, indicating that the growth in these graces requires intentional and sustained effort.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the necessity of diligence in spiritual growth. In Philippians 2:12-13, he writes, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Here, Paul acknowledges the divine partnership in spiritual growth, where human diligence complements God's enabling power.

Practical Application

Diligence in the Christian life involves several practical applications. It requires a commitment to regular prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in communal worship. These disciplines are foundational for spiritual growth and the development of Christian character. Additionally, diligence calls for active engagement in good works and service to others, as seen in Titus 3:8: "This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have believed God will be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for the people."

Moreover, diligence involves perseverance in the face of trials and challenges. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This perseverance is a form of diligence that leads to spiritual maturity.

Conclusion

Diligence is a vital component of the Christian life, required by God for the cultivation of spiritual graces. Through diligent effort, believers grow in faith, develop Christ-like character, and fulfill their God-given purpose. The Scriptures consistently affirm the value of diligence, urging Christians to pursue it with zeal and commitment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:5
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... from that day and hour he is required to work. ... gift, some were altogether alien from
God and from ... the opposite course, a harvest by diligence, and refreshment ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... but who were profitably engaged in cultivating their own ... over thee; all his ways
are God's, either for ... to thine enemies, serviceable as a Christian.'[32] 'Let ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm