Beagle Mafia

In June, my Pastor had taught a series about Diligence. We started with the definition itself of diligence. Diligence is the constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. Its beyond passion and intention. Diligence is what keeps a passion and an intention going. Its also one of the seven Holy virtues.

Diligence is a persevering application of an intention or a passion. Diligence is the steady application in any business of any kind. Diligence is constant effort. Its the exertion of the body or mind without unnecessary delay or slothfulness. Diligence is the personal attention and taking care and head over a thing.

I use to be one of those people who use to start a thing but never finish it. I always had the right intentions but never very good at follow through. One way or another I would end up as the tail instead of the head. Most of this was due to my own idleness, laziness and I had many excuses.

All of this changed when I turned a passion into a reality. This rescue is the pin point and prime example of my applied diligence. This may be the one and only thing I have ever done with such intentionality and diligence. The passion and dedication I have for this undertaking is something that words elude me to describe. I had said and will continue to say that I truly feel this is my divine calling.

When my Pastor got up on the pulpit this morning to revisit this series, I realized as I was jotting down notes that we already had covered what he was preaching. What I didn't realize until the end of the sermon was his question of " After 90 days of first hearing this Word, "have you been diligent?" What areas have you been diligent in? What areas do you need to be more diligent in? Lord knows, I have MANY areas that I need to work more diligently in. It can almost sadden me that there are actually other areas in my life that need more of my intention and diligence then even the rescue. This is where I am at right now. From this day forward my diligence will now have another dimension.

I can now see the reward of applied diligence. I now know what it takes to be diligent. I know that I need to intensify my intentions, set a pace and keep my priorities in line. I need to apply my diligence first and for most in my marriage and secondly in my parenting. I will be diligent in my giftings and assignments that God himself has placed in my heart. I will continue to enjoy life itself and remember to make mental snap shots day in and out. I will diligently maintain whatever progress I have made up to this point and continue to track my progress in other areas.

Most importantly, I will be more diligent in my walk with the Lord. Its my burden to be diligent. I cant pray for diligence but it must rise up within me. I must bring it forth and bring it forth, I will.

"He who has a slack hand becomes poor,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich." Proverbs 10:4

"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich." Proverbs 13:4

"The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor." Proverbs 12:24