Day 201 – Diligence

Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.

• God’s names:
• YAHWEH/JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal
• Yeshuwa/Iesous – Jesus
• Elohiym – Supreme God
• Adonay – God’s proper name
• BASILEUS – King
• KURIOS – Supreme Authority

• God’s character:
• Creator
• King

Every year people receive prizes for the work they do, most notably the Nobel prize that covers many categories: Science, Literature, Peace, and many more. People aren’t picked randomly for these prizes; they worked hard in their fields. Their names were on lips long before they were chosen by the people responsible for giving the prizes. They were diligent in their work, having worked in their fields since school days. Notice of their work didn’t happen overnight.

Solomon recognized people who excelled in their work too. He said those who excelled came before his courts. He gave honor to those who deserved it for their diligence and excellence.

Solomon often spoke about the difference between a lazy person and a diligent one. He saw lazy people everywhere, but at the same time he saw lazy people, he also saw those who earned his respect with their diligence.

Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (NKJV)

Not only did he see their diligence, but he also saw their faithfulness to YAHWEH. People who served YAHWEH gave everything to their work.

What kind of person are you? Do you want to do your best in everything you do? Before you became a Christian, were you as diligent in your work as you are now?

I see many Christians who simply go through the motions. They have no direction in their lives. They go to church, they might be on different committees in the church, but their work feels obligatory. They show up but their heart isn’t truly in the work. They see their role in the church as: if they don’t do it, nobody will. It’s not a matter of heart, it’s obligation. Then there are Christians who give everything just to stand in Yeshuwa’s presence and hope to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Everything they do is with a smile and diligence. They don’t overlook the smallest detail. They can’t wait to show up for whatever Yeshuwa has for them that day. They might not be in charge, those would be the people who feel obligated, but they are the hardest workers for the kingdom of Elohiym.

Yeshuwa told the parable about the talents.

Matthew 25:14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. 17 Likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time, the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26 But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 You ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 For everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

You know that from the moment Adonay created the world, He has not stopped working. He continues to work today in the hearts of His people. He answers prayer. He walks beside you in your celebrations and in your sorrow. He helps you do the work He gave you to do for the kingdom of Elohiym. He said He would never leave you or forsake you. When you leave this life behind, He will welcome you with open arms into His kingdom as a faithful servant who faithfully did the work He gave you. Then you will stand before Him as BASILEUS and KURIOS. You will know the full joy of the work He called you to do.

Yeshuwa gave His all for you. Are you willing to give your all to Him?

Let’s pray: Father, help me to do my very best in the work You gave me to do for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 8 August 2026 by Valerie Routhieaux