Lazy? Not me. I’m busy. Up early, up late. My schedule is filled from beginning to end. I love what I do and I love getting stuff done. I attack a daily to-do list with the same intensity I play basketball.”
I couldn’t identify more with these words written by Christian blogger C. J. Mahaney. It’s great to keep busy and accomplish stuff, isn’t it?
If we grasp what true diligence is all about as presented in Proverbs, however, we may discover that we are simply being hectic sluggards. Here’s why. Proverbs 10:5 describes the diligent person as busy and wise. In other words, a diligent person uses both his brawn and brain. He analyzes his situation and makes wise decisions in his labor. He knows how to act and speak in different situations. He doesn’t back down from challenges, but seeks to navigate around or through them with God’s help. He knows that wisdom doesn’t imply superior IQ. It’s found in a healthy fear of the Lord (9:10).
A diligent person also works in anticipation of the harvest. She has a clear goal to accomplish and she applies appropriate action at the right time by harvesting in summer.
She recognizes that busyness does not make us immune from laziness. People can be busy and still not accomplish anything of true value. They can be busy, but with doing the wrong things and at the wrong time. And the things that they should be doing are left undone.
Diligence flows from analysis, anticipation, appropriate action, and accomplishment—all prompted by the Holy Spirit’s active work within us. When considering our schedules, let’s pursue priorities and projects that are derived from God’s wise plans. To be diligent for God does not mean simply being busy.
More:
• Proverbs 6:6-11
• 2 Timothy 2:3-5
Next:
What is keeping you busy? How should you reorder your schedule this week to glorify God even more?
loananna on October 30, 2009 at 9:39 am
This is my prayer every day that our Lord would direct me in the way i should go.I feel so overwhelmed at times and then i freeze and don’t accomplish a thing. Lord continue to teach me your ways and have the Holy spirit lead me.
cynthiatoy3 on October 30, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Interesting topic sometimes I am so busy and at the end of the day I did not do one thing to promote the kingdom of God. I want God and the holy spirit to order my path more so that at the end of the day I will accomplish God’s busniess.
aimz_84tan on October 30, 2009 at 5:40 pm
everyday i thank God for everything….yes!i am a busy person but i ddnt forgot god kindnes everyminute of my life even im in a hard situation…i know that he is my best freind…every burden that he gave me i know that he is always there for me…no more worries..
ednaz_mode on October 31, 2009 at 7:45 pm
A very good reminder. Being a uni student, it can be very hectic when we have datelines to rush. Sometimes we get so engrossed with it that we forget to ask God for a clear direction. Let us commit our work into God’s hands, and pray before we start our tasks that we may glorify him in whatever we do.
mikan14 on November 2, 2009 at 10:46 pm
“To be diligent for God does not mean simply being busy.” – I agree with this one. Sometimes Christians thought that being “used” by God is in terms of being busy in the ministry, but God doesn’t think like that…
Sometimes I feel busy but at the end of the day, I didn’t accomplish anything. Most of the time, I plan to do this, but that only happens in my mind – nothing really happens physically.
I pray that we can accomplish God’s plan and mission by His will, only to glorify Him 🙂
Christine on November 4, 2009 at 11:52 am
Today my goal is to feel less busy and be thankful for all that God has blessed me with. To focus on myself and my relationship with God. As I get older, the daily routine kicks in, filled with responsibilities and activities and I end up putting myself and God on the back burner. I will also practice to be quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak. 🙂
poh fang chia on November 4, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Ask a Singaporean “How’s your day?”
9 out of 10 person asked, the reply will be “busy”.
I suspect this phenomenon is not unique to Singapore.
This morning, my sister and I were chatting about the general observation that ministry in the church is often relegated to the full-time staff while most of the members remain on the receiving end. She said something to this effect, “Most of us has allowed the hectic pace of life to consume our concern for one another.”
A sobering thought.