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We are typically in environments that push our work productivity. So, our work is monitored. Therefore, diligence is expected. And diligence is a good thing. The LORD looks down, however, to monitor our diligence in cultivating virtues resembling His likeness. He looks at our heart. He should. He created us in His image, and is very interested in our progress in growing “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
RELEVANCE
I was raised in a culture that taught me the quicker I worked, the more I’d accomplish. Yet a still small voice inside would echo this phrase: “tilling for toil.” I learned we often spin our wheels but can get nowhere. We can work for the sake of the work; working hard but not very smart. The world sets us up for that. It measures what we do; what we produce. God, on the other hand, measures what is produced in our heart. Peter addressed this issue.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Compare what you do vs. who you are. We don’t often do the things we are capable of doing best because the world expects us to work for the sake of the work, or “just do it.” Ask God to reveal to you what character traits He looks for you to cultivate so you can be who He created you to be, and reflect His nature and character.
REFERENCES
2 Corinthians 3:18