Being enthusiastic is a good thing. It’s contagious. People like to be around enthusiastic people. Being overly enthusiastic—or over zealous—however, typically comes with bad fallout.
Acting in discernment is always a wise thing to do. What we do randomly or haphazardly without much thought in regards to consequences can come back to haunt us; even when it appears to be right or noble. That’s because diligence is different that haste. It doesn’t act on emotions; but with self-control. It seeks balance in priorities and actions. Diligence issues in wisdom and discipline.
RELEVANCE
I remember being a youth with lots of ambitions. I learned that employers liked to see bold ambitions. So during an interview a long time ago, when asked why I should get the job, I responded, “I’m very ambitious. I’m quick to learn and burn.”
I was hired. I learned quickly. I burned up the pavement, and my performance was tops in the company; over the chart. Two years later, I burned out. Then I made one of the worst decisions I ever made. I quit to go into a business that taught me a valuable lesson. I repented and God had grace; amazing grace. I ran into a former associate who suggested I call the VP. He hired me on the spot. But it cost me.
God’s word, however, has taught me some important lessons. Solomon spoke many pears of wisdom. One is this: “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes” (Proverbs 19:2).
The apostle Paul also addressed many issues. He prayed specifically “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance…” (Ephesians 1:17-18).
We do have an inheritance in God! It’s wise to pray and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit so we may apprehend God’s will and pursue it with all diligence. Diligence– persistent effort and attentiveness towards a goal is always better than haste, and through it, God will lead us along paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Evaluate your patterns of behavior in regards to your motivations and ambitions. See where you may need to slow down; and likewise step up the pace. Ask God to open your eyes of understanding and give you knowledge flowing in His wisdom.
REFERENCES
Colossians 1:9-14; 2 Timothy 2:1-7