Diligence, a word used by many but actually understood by
few, can be defined in various ways. The Webster’s dictionary defines it as
being hardworking, industrious, conscientious, and not negligent. Diligence according
to Wikipedia is steadfast application, assiduousness and industry; the virtue
of hard work. Diligence is a work ethic which demonstrates that hard work is
good in itself.
Diligence in Christianity is the effort and ability to do
one’s part, while maintaining faith, reliance and total dependence in God.
Hence, diligence and faith are two sides of a coin. Sometimes, we don’t know
how, but despite one’s effort, it just works out, but spiritual success is
guaranteed when diligence meets with faith.
Diligence is acquainted with thoroughness, completeness, and
persistence of an action, especially in matters of faith.
In your desire to create wealth, the issue is not what you
don’t have but what you actually have and then ignorant of how to utilize. Diligence
is the basic factor that can translate a thousand dollar business into a
million dollar one.
Many a times, we believe the little in our hands is not
enough, but actually it’s more than enough. The holy book says that God has
given us everything that pertains to life and godliness.
2Peter 1:3; According
as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue…KJV
In other words, all you need to make it in life has been
freely given to you. The question is, do you know what you have? And can you
effectively utilize what you have to achieve the wealth you desire.
By and large, do not despise your little/humble beginnings;
the little in your hand today is the hallmark to the much you’re looking
forward to tomorrow. All you need do is to be diligent and faithful in your
business and endeavors and you will be surely amazed at what you can achieve.
Consider this, if you start an investment with probably
10,000naira and you gain 2,000naira as profit on monthly basis. In a year, your profit is 24,000 hence your
business is worth 34,000naira or probably 30,000naira assuming an expenses of 4,000naira was made. It seems small right? Yeah, it is but better
late than never and then again the old proverb ‘slow and steady wins the race’
comes to mind. Just take a moment and imagine what this business will be worth
in 10 to 20 years’ time. It will only cost you lots of diligence, consistency
and patience.
Being diligent will make you a boss and keep you in charge. You can be who you want to be, living a fulfilled and respectable life just by being hardworking. Consider
these scriptures;
Proverbs 12:24; The hand
of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor…NKJV
Proverbs 12:11; He who tills his land will be
satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding…NKJV
By all means avoid slothfulness in your business and in all your endeavors for that matter, because laziness profits nothing. Remember, the old saying "no food for the lazy man"? Well, in my own words,"nothing for the lazy man".
Proverbs 18:9;He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster...KJV
If you are privileged to inherit wealth from your family; note that inherited wealth could be the quickest means to poverty when laziness creeps in. Utilize what is available, invest wisely, take risks but don't test the depth of the sea with both feet.
FACTORS WHICH ENCOURAGE DILIGENCE
I will be discussing these factors which encourage diligence
in details in a later post.
HOW TO BE DILIGENT
- Always be sincere in all your endeavors
- Never fail in your appointments
- Always bear in mind, your customers/clients are
always right
- Remember, quality always stands the test of
time. So concentrate on quality than quantity
- Be time conscious, learn to properly manage your
time
- Be contented
- Learn to make proper plans (Proverbs 21:5)
- Be patient
- Set an achievable goal/target
Tags:Diligence, wealth creation
