The saying goes that you will reap what you sow.  Although it is an old adage that your parents and grandparents have told you time and time again, it still holds significance today, especially in one's spiritual life.

A similar saying in the Bible that he who does not work does not eat, is not made in vain. Such sayings and parables that reflect this train of thought were meant to teach the believer that true satisfaction in life can only come by faith, one's hard work and commitment to doing what is right.

Ministers of the word say it is slothfulness and unwillingness to do what must be done in order to achieve that result that leads to the downfall of many believers. Most people are willing to pray and worship God but they do not do the necessary works needed to achieve that which they ask for.

Faith without works is truly dead and it is for this reason that practicing the virtue of diligence is an important part of a Christian's life, say the ministers.

Much like the other virtues - chastity, temperance, charity, patience, kindness, and humility - diligence can only be found in forming a relationship with God and allowing the Holy Spirit into your life.

Bishop Ros Davis, senior pastor of Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries International, says diligence is having a determined mind, being focused, forthright and set on completing all that you do.

"This is an essential trait that no one can go without if he truly wishes to succeed," he says. "It is the motor that drives one toward success. It is the same thing Jesus had when he set off to Jerusalem, determined to die for the sins of the world. Even if he had other options, could've allowed himself to be sidetracked or even chosen to turn back, he persevered and diligently completed his earthly mission."

Davis says diligence is an important trait leaders of all kinds will need to master. Not everyone you will encounter will want you to help or push your cause. This is why you should have your own drive that will drive you on your path.

The child in class or the employee who works late into the night in order to do what he must will achieve great things. He who can master this will rise to the top no matter how long it takes.

"Having diligence is important in all aspects of life be it in religion, sports, entertainment and school. It is required of us to be diligent as Christians because in the world we live in today it is easy to be sidetracked and discouraged. Having the necessary focus to push past the obstacles is absolutely necessary. No other example of this virtue is as powerful as the Lord rebuking Peter when he was discouraging the Lord from sacrificing himself. Even when he prayed to God to let the burden pass from him, he still remembered that it was God's will and he should diligently obey."

In fact, diligence is a virtue mankind has been tasked to perfect since the time of Adam and Eve. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden the burden of all human beings is to forever feel the sweat on their brows to achieve all that is desired.  This was a lesson God wanted his children to learn because it made them humble, appreciative of what they have and see that all things are possible with faith and toil. He who is able but chooses not to work honestly for his needs is not doing God's will and opens himself up to sin and destruction.

Bishop Gilbert Thompson, assistant bishop of the Anglican Diocese in The Bahamas, says that the virtue of diligence is rooted in love and patience. It comes to full fruition when one's love of a job, lifestyle or responsibility surpasses all other distractions and he is willing to face all things in order to achieve his goal.

"It takes a great time to achieve a goal but being able to love what one does so much that he is focused on what he must do is the greatest thing. Diligence is being able to see a goal to its end no matter what one may face. It has ties to patience because it will take time to do many things in life, to master what one strives for and facing obstacles that can derail your mission must be done in patience."

The bishop says diligence is not something that will come overnight but it is something you try to live up to everyday. In a world where straying is easy it is even necessary to focus and hold fast to your faith and beliefs from moment to moment.  To be diligent is to be fully committed to a goal even in the face of temptation, he says.

There are many who are successful in this feat but there are many others who choose a selfish, self-gratifying road and do not test themselves in living a diligent life. Due to a need to be satisfied momentarily rather than reap the rewards of a purposeful life such people tend to live less fulfilling lives.

Pastor Jay Simms, senior pastor of Christian Life Church, says the virtue of diligence is being able to embody the power of persistence and "hang in there" when things in your life are going slowly.

"You've heard the expression that tough times never last and tough people do. The tough people are the diligent ones. Despite the circumstances they will make it. When trouble and heartache comes your way, you have the ability to get back up and keep at it. In James 1:2 it says it perfectly," says Simms.

"'Count it all joy when you go through diverse kinds of trials and tests knowing the trying of your faith worketh patience...' To me this means as a person seeking to be diligent, it is important to have joy no matter the circumstances. You have to keep on keeping on. Being diligent means holding your head up and praising God anyhow."

Nowadays this virtue is one that the minister believes is being tested like never before. He says during times of prosperity people play, but in times of adversity people pray; therefore in these trying times it is clear your patience and stickability are being tested more than ever.

"The difficulties people are facing in relationships, jobs and other aspects of life need to be faced with a persistent and infallible spirit. At the end of the day as a believer it is more important to remember to focus on the promise to God rather than the problems you face. When you focus on promise you are practicing the virtue of diligence. So keep seeking joy in all situations.

Like the song says, 'I still have joy, after the things I've been through I still have joy'," says Simms.
 
Over the next four weeks, The Nassau Guardian will engage a number of ministers of religion on the topic of the Seven Heavenly Virtues.  They will dissect each one and talk about the relevance of the virtues to twenty-first century societies.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian