Pure Diligence

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

We’ve been sharing practical ways to guard your thoughts, live in victory and overcome common obstacles in your thought life. One major theme throughout these topics is: diligence. 

Developing deep and healthy relationships with anyone takes  effort, consistency, faithfulness and commitment. How much more is this true in our relationship with God? Of course, God has given the supernatural grace in order for all believers to live the life he has called them to, but just as with everything God gives, he gives the choice to take action. 

When we share about the importance of discipline, diligence and commitment in one’s relationship with God, we want to be clear, we are not talking about merely striving harder in your flesh to “do more”. We are saying, in light of everything God has made available through Christ, there is a place to sincerely respond with unwavering devotion that is motivated and overflows from love. If one is not living from this place of diligence, it is possible they may be intentionally or unintentionally living from a place of laziness or complacency. 

Two major insights that have personally helped us avoid striving in the flesh have been understanding who we are now in Christ and continually checking the motive of our heart behind all we are saying and doing. 

One has very likely fallen into striving if the driving motive of their actions is coming from a mindset or heart space that feels obligated in mere duty, or is to be recognized and/or accepted by others.

However, if the driving motive of one’s actions is coming from, 

• A heart of humility and gratitude
• A desire to obey and grow deeper in relationship with the Lord
• An awareness and understanding of how the Lord is worthy of all we are

then there can be a joy and grace in life as one continues to, “discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10)