Lockdown increased online shopping all over the world. We used to get delivery personnel knocking at our door, even though we had not ordered any stuff. Some of the delivery personnel are educated with college degrees and sometimes with MBAs. Yet, they cannot deliver at the right homes. First, they should call the person who ordered, which they neglect. Second, there is a huge board in our apartment displaying all the residents’ names. They don’t care to read and take note. Third, right on our door we have our names in huge fonts. These delivery persons have no training or skills or aptitude to learn. Sadly, they may not progress in their lives. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29 KJV)
‘Diligence’ is a loaded word. Paul writes, do all things for the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31)
1) Attitude: If a person does not consider his/her job as dignified job, then s/he will not perform job excellently well.
2) Initiative: People who excel take initiative, have inner drive and perform more than required. Jeroboam was capable, industrious, excelled and caught attention of King Solomon and he appointed him over labour of tribe of Joseph. (I Kings 11:28) Later, he became king of divided King of Israel, but failed because of forsaking Jehovah and creating idols for worship.
3) Focus: Good leaders should concentrate and focus, without distractions to accomplish purpose. Intently and intentionally such people refuse to turn back or aside. They are restless until things are done.
4) Skills: Skills and tools (using tools is also a skill) are essential. Skills could be learnt by practice in matter of few minutes or hours. For example, using puppet for children ministry is a good skill. Those who do not bother to learn new skills are not diligent in the work God has given them.
5) Self-motivated: Diligent leaders do not need people to oversee or monitor them. They perform to optimum level whether manager is present or watching over CCTV or not.
Am I diligent in whatever I do?