As we wind down 2020 and think about the New Year, what is a goal or two you have for 2021? This could take many forms including your relationship with the Lord, your relationship with others, your character, your health, your finances, your work, your passions, your ministry, etc., etc. Our two verses from Proverbs highlight a critical ingredient to achieving our desires – hard work.
Proverbs 13:4 - A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Bob 4:16 – Wanting without working is wishing
Things to think about:
· So, what is at least one goal you have for the next year?
o Do any of the examples above or maybe something else immediately resonate?
o What picture is in your mind of what that would look like?
· Our verses tell us that hard work and diligence are key.
o The dictionary definition of diligence – steady, earnest, energetic effort. Devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking.
· What is prayer’s role in this?
o Establishing the goals themselves
o Strength
o Discernment
o Blessing
o Something else?
· Where have you seen the principle of diligence play out in your life?
o Is there an example of someone you have seen model this?
· Is there reprioritizing you need to do to make time for applying yourself to your goal?
· As his life draws to a close, Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
o With a firm vision of what he was working diligently for, Paul was able to persevere to the end to achieve his goal, the attainment of the crown of righteousness.
Let us be equally committed to things worthy of our calling!
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