First off, former procrastinators, meals are no small thing. Ask your family. What we want to look at here is how to make that big job smaller so we can be more faithful in it. Meals are a big chore because they require thought, shopping, preparation, and serving. They’re expected three times daily. That’s high…
You’ve heard this, former procrastinators. “There’s no point in making my bed. I’m just gonna get back in it.” (Should we apply the same logic to doing the dishes?) Now that we’ve dispelled the myths that diligence is constant work, does everything, and requires perfection, let’s take this month to notice small areas where we…
Yahoo, former procrastinators! We’re free of the bondage that says diligence is constant work, does everything, and requires perfection. The ant’s example of diligence boils down to Do What Needs Doing When It Needs Doing. DWNDWIND. That looks like “downwind” which makes me think of the Holy Spirit’s moving. When I’m downwind of a breeze,…
One time, former procrastinators, I baked a red velvet cake that fell apart in chunks. It was for Bible study that night. I made myself dump the cake in a bowl, and next to it I set a bowl of cream cheese frosting. “We’re having Red Velvet Crumble for dessert. Dollop your crumble with icing.” …
Have you laid in bed, former procrastinators, after a heavy meal and felt uncomfortable? “Oh, I’m stuffed. I shouldn’t have eaten so much.” The need to rest, changing your position, brings home the fact that you took too many bites of that yummy casserole, homemade bread, and gooey dessert. You know you’ll pay tomorrow too. …
Where do we get the idea, former procrastinators, that diligence means constant work? Relieve yourself of that burdensome thought! Diligence is steady, earnest, and energetic effort, persevering application. It means keep after it, stay with the task until it’s complete. Maybe that means every day, or twice a week, or twice a month according to…
Does the word “diligence” give you the heebie jeebies, former procrastinators? If the word makes you nervous, take heart. The dictionary and scripture both give us a user-friendly perspective. Merriam-Webster says diligence is “steady, earnest, and energetic effort, persevering application.” The word’s history referenced speed. That can remind us to get on a task right…
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
. . . you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.
Colossians 3:9-10