Today’s scripture: Proverbs 13:4
The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
It was Martin Luther who said, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays, not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his duty, not by putting little crosses on his shoes, but by making good shoes; because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
God clearly encourages competence and skill. If it were not so, we would not read about Daniel being ten times better than his contemporaries. What does being skilful or hardworking have to do with my prosperity? Everything! The Bible makes it clear that the diligent soul shall be made rich (Proverbs 13:4). If we stay diligent in our respective areas of calling, God will definitely prosper us. Let us diligently invest in upgrading our skills and knowledge, and giving our best to the task at hand. As far as prosperity is concerned, there is no substitute for diligence.
Daniel, like Joseph, shows us just how far diligence can take us, regardless of our present circumstances, if we apply ourselves to our tasks. They both prove the Bible-tested truth that the diligent shall stand before kings and not before mere men.
Let us give ourselves to diligence in all our pursuits. Let us do whatever our hands have found to do, with all our might. Put away slothfulness. Refuse to deal with a slack hand. Go the extra mile when others are stopping. Research ways you can increase and improve your skills and deepen your experience. God is backing you up every step of the way. He will work in you to will and to do, and you shall eat the fruit of your labour, in Jesus’ name
Memorise & Meditate:
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29
Prayer/Confession:
Father, I thank you because you have given to me the Spirit of knowledge, skill and craftsmanship. I am therefore distinguished in my work and marked for honour by my superiors. Your gift in me cannot be hidden because I have the Spirit of excellence and I constantly carry out exploits and bring glory to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
