 What would you say is your most valuable, personal asset? Which of your great qualities do you believe can take you to the “next level?” Perhaps it’s a physical feature that enhances your appearance or a special talent that makes you shine. Or, maybe it’s an ability to relate well to people or a charming, charismatic flare. While each of these may be important qualities, there is one virtue that outranks them all: diligence.
Its what scripture calls a “man’s precious possession.” The Hebrew word is “mâhı̂yr.” It means to move quickly and do your best; to act with skillful haste. Diligence is about effort. It is about quality of work. Our English word for “diligence” is derived from the Latin “industria” which means to be steadfast in one’s labors. Despite obstacles and difficulty, no matter what stands in their way, people with diligence will work tirelessly to achieve their goals and stay committed to the task regardless of cost or discomfort. Obviously, gifting and skills are important. Proverbs 18:16 says “a man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” It’s true, if you have a special gift, there’s often a place for you. If you can sing, someone will offer you a microphone. If you can preach, we’ll give you a pulpit. Perhaps you can administrate or lead, you’ll find a title and be put to work. But while a man’s gift may result in quick promotion or applause, such recognition will be short lived without the one, all-important quality of diligence. Your talent may get you in the “room” but it’s diligence that will keep you there. Proverbs 12:25 says the hand of the diligent will rule. In other words, diligence is what takes a person to the next level. Every story of sustainable success involves a narrative of diligence. Perhaps one of the greatest examples is Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. From his account we discover several truths about next level living and the qualities of diligence that propel us higher. Check back next week for further discussion diligence and the example of Nehemiah. Or, check out my newest book, Upward: Taking Your Life to the Next Level. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
February 2023
Categories
All
It was concerning King Saul that David said, “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished.” His was a life that began with great promise and celebration, but ended in miserable failure and humiliation. His life is an example of how the mightiest of leaders fail.
Why do great men and women fall? How do leaders, quick to ascend with such promise of unparalleled success, find themselves awash in disastrous failure and disgrace? More importantly, can the path toward one’s downfall be discerned before it’s too late and be avoided? It is the premise of my newest book, How The Mighty Have Fallen that such a decline can be detected and reversed. The life and leadership career of King Saul, Israel's first king, provides us with a treasury of examples of "what not to do." The below blog post is the first in series of excerpts from the book to examine and avoid Saul's mistakes and find a successful path through leadership. READ AN EXCERPT |
RSS Feed