Diligent people
I was listening to the late Dr. Myles Munroe’s podcast on Diligence recently. I should admit it left me challenged to revisit the way I do things.
He says that diligent people get up early enough to arrive on time to appointments and to complete chores prior to arrival. He advises that appearing punctually shows others that the person is dependable. In addition, a diligent person takes initiative to complete tasks rather than waiting to be told what to do.
Therefore diligence is simply giving your best on anything set before you. Munroe states that diligence requires continuing on a task that is unpleasant. Even if a task is difficult to complete, a diligent person does his best. If the work is physical and the person is out of shape, a diligent person finds ways to improve his physical fitness or health in order to complete the task.
The book of Proverbs in the Bible talks extensively about the different traits of a lazy person versus a diligent person. If you desire to grow in diligence, the book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom on how to do so. Without further ado, here are five must-have traits of a diligent person.
A diligent person is an excellent planner
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 Achieving a goal requires a detailed plan with a deadline. A friend of mine, who is studying Mechanical Engineering, has wisely exclaimed many times, “Plan your work and work your plan!” Diligent people give themselves directions and then follow through on their plans. A diligent person will both plan well and pace themselves, thus finishing assignments without getting burned out.
Produces excellent work
“Do you see the man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs 22:29
Excellent work attracts the attention of excellent people. A diligent person not only works hard, but does his or her best work every time. When you are a diligent, excellent worker, you will be offered opportunities that you never could have orchestrated on your own. Excellent work is truly the best promoter.
Is faithful in everyday tasks
“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!” Proverbs 28:19
The diligent person in this verse is faithfully tending to their daily responsibilities. In other words, a diligent person will take their everyday work seriously. Instead of wasting time on things that bring no reward, a diligent person will focus their energy on productive activities, even if that work is not particularly exciting. Thankfully, even boring work will reap a harvest if we remain faithful.
Is self-motivated
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
A diligent person stays on top of their work without their leader constantly cracking the whip! They refuse to procrastinate, instead choosing to fulfill their duties in a timely manner.
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