WEEKLY WISDOM - DILIGENCE

Diligence: constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.

Don’t Stop! You will not quit! Hang in there! Keep going! These are statements you probably heard over and over again from your parents, teachers, and coaches. When my sons were young and participated on sports teams, no matter how tough it got, how challenging it was, how hot or cold the weather got, and even if they did not like the coaches, it was not an option to quit during the season. After the season was over, they could make the decision to sign up again for the next season or try something else. This was consistent in everything they did to build diligence.

What is diligence anyway? It is steady, earnest, and energetic effort. This is the mark of a true leader. How diligent can you be when you are faced with a challenge or difficulty? Believe it or not, the more challenges you accomplish, the more diligent you become in future projects and leadership opportunities. You become more persistent, creative, and steady as your confidence grows.

It’s amazing that life throws you issues that grow you in every aspect of your life; mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s not if you are going to have the issues, but how you are going to either react or respond to them. It will force you to dig deep within yourself to get to the next level of leadership as well as knowing who you are as a person.

One of the most frightening but exhilarating activities that I did recently was hiking in Utah with three other guys. They had done it before, and I had not. The challenge was not just that it was a difficult hike, but it was also snowing and slippery in several places. One slip and I could literally fall hundreds of feet.

The first thing that I could control was to make sure that I had the right attitude. Having the right attitude was half the battle. This is the mental challenge that many of us will go through. Attitude is one of focus and accepting the situation for what it is at the starting point but knowing it will change for the better because of your diligence. I was going to conquer this hike no matter the fear I felt.

The next thing that was within my control was my perspective. How did I view this hike? I would take it one step at a time instead of seeing the entire adventure all at once. I knew if I could take little steps, literally (LOL), then I could make progress. I would tell myself “Just to make it to the next milestone” and when I reached it, that was progress to me. It was a crazy discovery that the more milestones I reached, the more confident I became and the less fearful I was.

Another major supportive feature of my diligence was the team. I had to trust these guys to assist and help me through this process. They made it easier with their experience, support, and encouragement. I was literally locking arms with one of these guys to help me and I had no choice but to trust them.

Overall, your attitude, perspective, and support from others can make a difference in your diligence. Here are some great scriptures to keep you encouraged: Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:12, and 1st Corinthians 9:24-27.

Hebrews 12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

James 1 12 Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

1st Corinthians 9: 24-25 You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. 26-27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Be diligent!!!!

 (EQUIPPING)

Exercise Your Power this week 

1. Select someone who is having a rough go of it either professionally and personally and encourage them to keep moving forward regarding their issue or project.

2. Identify 2-3 small outstanding items that you need to close and finish. Do that this week.

3. Read 1st Corinthians Chapter 9 for diligence, specifically versus 24-27.