A Charge to Be Diligent
Joshua 22:1-6
Joshua charges the Rubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh to be diligent. They had obeyed all the commandments of Moses and Joshua up to this point. They knew how to please God. Now they were going out on their own and Joshua charges them to be diligent. Now that you are out on your own, let’s look at what being diligent involves.
[Prov.10:4] Be Consistent Constant in effort is rewarded (Dealeth with a slack hand)
Don’t Quit…. Finish everything you start [1 Sam.4:9] fight, [1 Cor.16:13] be strong
Faint not….[2Cor.4:1-2 &16] Be a consistent Christian, [Gal.6:9] it is rewarded!
Don’t be unstable…. [James 1:8] you must be trustworthy, does anyone know where you stand? Are you stable? Consistent? If so, you are diligent.
You value and take care of your substance!
You’re a Steward (holds something for the owner) [1 Peter 4:10] we are to be a good steward of God’s Grace! [1 Cor.6:19-20] you are not your own [Prov.27:23] Be Concerned Circumspect or Aware (Know the state of thy flocks)
[Eph.5:15] “ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,”
You’re Responsible [Luke 12:48b]”For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:” [1 Cor.3:11-17] you are accountable [2 Cor.5:6-11] knowing therefore the terror of the Lord. The trend today is to wait until the last minute and then do what you can, pleased to just get by, sad.
Which one are You?
Some people are like wheelbarrows–no good unless pushed.
Some are like canoes–they need to be paddled.
Some are like kites–if you don’t keep a string on them, they will fly away.
Some are like footballs–you can’t tell which way they are going to bounce next.
Some are like balloons–full of wind and likely to blow up unless carefully handled.
Some are like trailers–no good unless pulled.