We are going to study five references in the Bible where the word diligent appears. There are more places than these where the words diligent and diligently appear. However, these five verses will help us identify five specific duties in our lives in which we must be diligent.
Diligent inquisition – Deut 19:18. When matters were brought before the judges, they had to make diligent inquisition into the facts of the case to be sure that the plaintiff was not bearing false witness against the defendant.
Likewise, when you hear testimony of a “fact” upon which you’re going to act or render judgment, be 100% sure of your info. And you need to be careful with information that you hear and repeat, Deut 13:12-14. If you repeat a matter as fact and the information is false, you are a false witness.
Diligent heed – Jos 22:5. Joshua charged the two and a half tribes crossing the Jordan River to take diligent heed to do the commandments and the law.
Likewise, we must know and do what the Bible says we are required to do. The commands of God in the New Testament are not suggestions; they are commands.
Diligent search – Ps 77:6. Read the entire Psalm. When Asaph began to question God for his apparent lack of concern during Asaph’s despondency, Asaph made diligent search into the mighty historical acts of God. He was encouraged to trust God in his trouble, resting assured that God would come through again.
When you find yourself doubting whether God is hearing your prayer during a deep trial, remember the works of the Lord. You will be encouraged, as well, when you realize all that God has already done for you and for others in similar circumstances.
Diligent work – Prov 10:4, 12:24, 27, 13:4, 21:5, 22:29, 27:23. The proverbs of Solomon show you multiple reasons to be diligent in your work. Besides the direct benefits you see in the proverbs, you are promised a reward at the judgment seat of Christ for work that is done as unto the Lord. You should be the best of all the employees in your company.
Diligent steadfastness – 2 Pet 3:14-18. We must be steadfast to keep from being led away with the error of the wicked and to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord. You cannot be neutral in the Christian life. The evil around us is accelerating and you must stay ahead of it by growing in the Lord even more.