God has granted man a soul and a body, as well as the ability to be occupied and to glorify Him with both. Adam, even while in the state of perfection, had physical labor assigned to him. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen 2:15).
After the fall it is also God’s will that man be occupied, and He appoints to every man his labor. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called” (1 Cor 7:20). God wills that man not only perform his calling, but that he do so diligently. This virtue we shall now discuss.
In Hebrew this is expressed by the word חרוץ (charoots), which means: “sharp,” “pointed,” “diligent.” In Greek it is expressed by the word ἀκρίβεια (akribeia). This is expressive of dealing with a matter with utmost care and prudence for the purpose of assuring that the project might be executed and turn out well. Thus, diligence implies considerably more than working only. In turn the word ἀκριβῶς (akribos) is derived from this, which means “diligent.” “He spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord” (Acts 18:25); “See then that ye walk circumspectly (that is diligently, precisely)” (Eph 5:15). The Greek also use the word ἐπιμέλεια (epimeleia), which is a derivative of μέλει (melei). This conveys the dealing with a matter in a manner which exceeds the ordinary—with the utmost care. “… seek diligently till she find it” (Luke 15:8). The commonly used word is σπουδή (spoude) from which our words speed and to speed are derived. It is thus expressive of readiness and being industrious. “He that ruleth, let him do it with diligence” (Rom 12:8).
Diligence is the exertion of the spiritual and physical powers of a believer whereby he willingly, joyously, and earnestly executes that task which God assigns him, doing so because it is the will of God.
This virtue only functions in a believer. The unconverted are also diligent in their own way, but their diligence differs as much from the diligence of believers as life differs from death. The diligence of a natural man proceeds from a perverted heart filled with vices. His heart has neither desire nor love for that task as being the will of God. Instead, his objective is to earn a living, please people, or to attain some other objective. That diligence which is a Christian virtue, however, proceeds from a regenerate and believing heart. Faith unites the soul with Christ, and proceeds through Christ unto God as a reconciled Father. This in turn begets love toward God which motivates one to please the Lord, and thus believers view their task as having been commanded them by God. This engenders a willingness to accept this task, joyfulness in performing it, and industriousness to bring it to a good end—all this because it is the will of God and in order that God might be pleased with that work.
The object of diligence is the task which God assigns us. God, in His wisdom and goodness, has ordained that the one man shall live from the other. For that purpose He has instituted various ranks among men and has given each his own task. To one He assigns a task in the church, to another in civil government, and to the other to labor in the home. To each man he assigns a calling: The one becomes a fisherman, the other a farmer, the other a businessman, and the other a craftsman. Among them there is variety as well: The one is in need of services, whereas the other renders his services. A believer takes note of his station and condition, simultaneously recognizing it to be a divine appointment; and with David, he surrenders himself to the service of the Lord. “O Lord, truly I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant” (Ps 116:16). He is thus satisfied with the Lord’s appointment for him, irrespective of whether it is prestigious or insignificant, easy or difficult—it does not matter to him. Since the Lord is sovereign, and at the same time wise, good, and a rewarder of all His faithful servants, the believer accepts his task as one to which he has been called by God (1 Cor 7:20).
Exertion of One’s Spiritual and Physical Faculties
The essence of diligence consists in the exertion of the faculties of both soul and body. The soul of a diligent person is fully engaged to execute the task at hand well.
First, he engages his intellect to consider in what manner, and by what means, he may execute that task in the best possible manner. His mind is focused upon the task while being engaged in it. David conducted himself thus in all that he did: “… a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters” (1 Sam 16:18); “He … guided them by the skilfulness of his hands” (Ps 78:72). Solomon says concerning a wise servant: “A wise servant shall have rule” (Prov 17:2); “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom” (Prov 12:8).
Secondly, the will is also engaged toward this duty in the following manner:
(1) In willingness. This is the reason why the construction of the walls of Jerusalem prospered, “for the people had a mind to work” (Neh 4:6).
(2) Joyfully. We shall not work as a slave—and thus contrary to our will, with a fretful heart, and for fear of being beaten. Rather, we shall do so joyfully, since we may serve such a great Lord and compassionate Father. Regardless of whether it is a spiritual or physical task, the diligent do their task joyfully, being an assignment from their Lord and Father. “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2).
Thirdly, the emotions and affections are also engaged. The diligent person will be industrious, zealous, and find delight in his work. Just as a spirited horse, being ready to run, will kick against the door of the stable in order that he might get out, the diligent person is likewise so industrious that he is already involved in his task before the other person is half ready. “I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments” (Ps 119:60). They are as “a flaming fire” (Ps 104:4). “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings” (Prov 22:29).
Fourthly, the diligent person also engages the powers and faculties of the body for any physical labor to be engaged in. He neither fears perspiration nor fatigue; doing the will of the Lord is worth this to him. He considers it an honor to come before the Lord with a perspiring countenance, showing himself before Him exhausted and fatigued, saying: “This is due to the delightful and joyous engagement in Thy work.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccles 9:10).