One who was serving the Lord died. In hushed tones, people who came for the funeral discussed his life. A highly talented, wonderfully gifted, had abundant resources, umpteen opportunities, and influential connections, but produced very little. One pastor commented God gave him five talents, he did not produce five more, perhaps only one more. A diligent person will excel and be publicly recognized by those in authority. (Proverbs 22:29)
Disciple: The followers of the Lord Jesus Christ have the best model, forerunner, pioneer, and inspiration who could be imitated. (I John 2:6) Disciples ought to be always diligent people.
Discipline: A mark of a diligent person is discipline. It means being physically fit, self-controlled, healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, punctuality, and priority.
Delight: A diligent disciple delights in the Word of God and meditates it day and night. (Psalms 1:1-3) They do not delight in silly, simple, mundane, and unprofitable things that go viral on social media. They do not waste precious time in futile thinking, watching, and talking.
Dream: Diligence means to have a dream from God. Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. (Acts 26:19) The Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit indwells in a believer, who gives visions to young people and dreams to old people. (Joel 2:28)
Deploy and Display: The talents and gifts are displayed for the Glory of God.
Destination and goals: Diligent disciples have life goals. The goals are short-term, mid-term, long-term, and eternal. Playing football/soccer without goalposts is a purposeless pursuit. In the same way, life without destination and goals is meaningless and purposeless.
Direction: Diligent are those who have a sense of direction. There may neither be roads nor roadmaps, yet they know the direction to take.
Discernment: Unlike Pharisees and Sadducees, the disciples could discern the signs of the times. (Matthew 16:3) Hence, they could optimally and strategically use the opportunities.
Distribution: Diligent disciples are neither selfish nor stingy. They give unto the Lord, generously help the poor, and show mercy to strangers.
Distinguished: In society and the workplace they distinguish themselves as excellent contributors.
Am I a diligent disciple?