As we continue exploring the tools God has given us for success, this week we turn our attention to another essential Kingdom principle that strengthens our impact in the marketplace: doing the work. Saints, diligence and hard work are not worldly ideas – they are Kingdom principles. From Genesis 1, God reveals Himself as a working God who creates and speaks things into existence, framing the worlds with His Word. Genesis 2:2-3 then tells us that “on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” God did not rest because He was exhausted, but because His work was complete, teaching us that rest is meaningful only when it follows labour. Even when man was created, he was placed in the garden to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15), because although God provides, He expects us to steward, and cultivate what He places in our hands. So, church, work is not a curse – it is a calling, a God-given assignment, and an act of worship. Even Jesus’ disciples were diligently working before He called them into ministry; they were fishermen, tax collectors, and labourers who understood responsibility and productivity.
The word of God honours diligence, and Jesus Himself modelled this. John 21:25 tells us that if every work Jesus performed were recorded, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” This reveals the level of labour that the Lord Jesus poured into His assignment, tirelessly teaching, healing, and serving. And He taught His disciples the same principle, saying, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). But God does not only require us to put our hands to work – He promises to meet our diligence with divine favour. Deuteronomy 28 clearly shows this principle, saying, “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand … The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand” (vs.8-12). Saints, the blessing is commanded on the work, not on the idle. That is why Scripture plainly says, “If anyone is not willing to work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Inactivity is not Kingdom behaviour, so let us set our hand to something. And because in this world we will face many troubles, tribulations, and opposition (John 16:33), we may have to start over many times. But let us be resolute like Isaac, that if one well is shut, we dig another (Genesis 26:12-24). And because our environment influences our character, Scripture warns believers not to keep company with idle or disorderly people, because idleness is contagious (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). The wrong associations can influence us into laziness and disorder, but diligence inspires diligence. So, let us surround ourselves with people that encourage us to daily keep doing the Word.
Diligence is also connected to another tool of success, that is, experience. Romans 5:3–4 teaches us that “tribulation produces patience; and patience, experience.” The word ‘experience’ here refers to proven character, where one has been tested, stretched, and found approved. Saints, certain levels of success require experience. In the marketplace, experience often outweighs credentials or qualifications, because it reveals our ability to remain standing during seasons of stretching and remain faithful even when circumstances shift. This steady consistency through the highs and lows of life becomes a wealth of experience, and is one of the greatest assets God uses to prepare us for promotion. Because although God has already opened certain doors for us, hard work, patience, and experience are the proof that we can carry greater responsibility. So, let us commit ourselves to excellence, diligence, and consistency in all we do. As we labour diligently, God commands His blessing upon the work of our hands, so we become more credible witnesses of the gospel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the value of diligence and blessing the work of our hands. May we continue to labour with excellence, so that we represent You well in every space we find ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
