-- From the Pastor’s Heart

The Diligent Steward

“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Joshua 22:5

The word diligent can be described as “careful and persistent work or effort”. One who is diligent has laid responsibility and accountability as their waymarks in life, and will exert great effort in achieving their goals. This diligent worker will also be assured of having to account to someone I the immediate future for his management and outcome, and will thus press toward that mark with those heart-driven goals guiding him toward future success.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. God has given us certain things (houses, family, jobs, talents, and gifts) to be good stewards in taking of proper care. To the flippant manager, there are little to no goas and less thought to the accountability thereof. Yet, to the one who cares to receive praise for faithful service from Almighty God: hard work, responsibility, reliability, and vision are just some of the driving efforts in order to hear – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few thing, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

When you consider your love and service to God, diligence should be your first priority. Are you diligent in your obedience to read, study, and follow the Word of God? Are you diligent with your ample time with the Lord – out of a heart of love for Him? Are you diligent to then follow His Will for your life – whatever that may be? Are you diligent to give Him every part of your heart and life? These are personal choices that are worthy of your due diligence. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).