Diligence seems to me to be a big problem today. People will start a project, and then after they get bored, they'll just drop it and never touch it for a long time, if they ever do. I think it's because in today's society, there are so many distractions, and other things that need to be taken care of. If one task becomes to burdensome, one can simply move on to another and nobody will even notice or think twice about it. This is bad enough if it's simply a carnal matter, but this lethargy can bleed over into our spiritual lives as well. This is a problem that won't just turn into a bad grade, or a lost job: it could prove to be eternal damnation.
Dedication is described as self-sacrificing devotion, or an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being or to a sacred use. This tells us that dedication can sometimes require sacrifice. To be truly dedicated to a cause, one can't always choose the easier or more enjoyable path. This is very true and applicable to Religion. We know what is right and what is required of us, but peer pressure, carnal desires, and things that just plain seem like fun can be very tempting and distracting to one's dedication to the Lord. However, diligence will pay off in the end: in
Diligence is a very common term in the scriptures when it comes to matters of obeying the Lord's commandments. Joshua 25:5 reads "take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law." Psalms 119:4 says "Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently." These are only two examples, but there are many more scriptures where the Lord commands his children to be diligent in their moral lives. The Lord even promises blessings to those who are diligent: The Doctrine and Covenants speaks of rewards for one's works in 103:36 when it says victory and glory is brought...through your diligence." 104:79 says obtain this blessing by your diligence. 59:4 speaks of the faithful and diligent being "crowned with blessings". It seems to me that if the Lord didn't think highly of a diligent soul, he wouldn't promise such fruits for labor.
A further example of diligence is found in Nephi's dream. Two versions of the dream can be found: Lehi's in 1st Nephi chapter 8, or Nephi's in 1st Nephi 11. In both cases, there is, put simply, a tree with pure white and pleasing fruit, a rod, which leads the way to the tree through an impenetrable darkness, and many other paths leading away from the true path. There is a building, representing the world, and there are people calling those on the path over to them, and making fun of their diligence. Those who heed the mocking people are led away down "strange paths" and are lost forever. But those who diligently push forward are rewarded by the sweet fruit that is pleasing above all else, symbolizing the joy that will be felt at the end of our lives if we heed the Lord.
I know personally that diligence pays off, while idleness brings about failure. I am a musician, and have been playing piano for over ten years. Over these years, I have performed in numerous recitals and for various events. I played one year for a community choir, which holds an annual Christmas recital in December. I practiced diligently every day, and attended every rehearsal. By the time of the performance, I had the songs down to near perfection, and I felt good about my performance. I felt that I was able to help bring about the Spirit through my music, and I was complimented on my performance. However, on another occasion, I was asked to play for a scouting event that was showcasing various instruments. I felt that since it was only for a small amount of young boys, it didn't really matter what I sounded like, and besides, the piece I had chosen was easy enough. However, when the night came around, it turned out that there weren't just little boys, there were numerous young children, all accompanied by their families. I nervously stepped to the piano, and tortured the poor thing while I struggled through a work by Beethoven. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life. I promised myself that I would never again be lethargic in my preparation for anything.
Diligence is a very important principle that I think everyone can improve on. We need to learn to always go the extra mile in all that we do, and not drop the ball when the going gets boring or tough. Perseverance will always pay off, no matter how large or small the event being prepared for is. And even if one doesn't care about something, the Lord holds diligence in all we do in high esteem, and will be quick to reward us for our actions.
11 comments:
I like the way you start out your piece by talking about how a lot of people lack diligence. Maybe that’s because there are so many things demanding our attention and we are so busy, that it’s easy not to follow-through with something. Good job! Great support from the scriptures. This could use some more support from other sources.
Your writing is cohesive and fluent. I would like to hear your play the piano sometime. Too bad our classroom does not have a keyboard. I like the musician/diligence comparison.
Thank you for equating diligence with following through. I loved your music example because I, too, am a musician and it illustrates your point.
I liked the personal experience you shared. Sometimes we learn best through experience. I agree that it's important to always go the extra mile. Great job!
I liked most the paragraph where you sited a lot of references from the scriptures. It tells me that diligence is important to God.
Though bad grades in general could be thought of as someone who was not diligent. There are other factors that could fall into play. Nonetheless your intent of letting us know that not be diligent leads to sorrow and Sin is good. Diligences is a great thing. Prioritizing is another. President Hinckley said it a great way. Do your best, but make it your very best.
Good job with the story about playing for the scouts it proved the validity of what you had said earlier in the blog.
I totally know what you mean about diligence in practicing piano, i havn't played for the last few months and it doesn't sound the same now, great comparisome!
I like that you brought up the importance of sacrifice in being diligent. Some people will be diligent until they have to sacrifice and that really isnt diligence at all.
I agree with your views on sacrifice and diligence. I think sometimes to be tested as to how diligent we will be, we must be forced to sacrifice some things. Great blog!
I really loved the flow of the blog all the ideas went together and i coiuld feel the passion behind what you were expressing.
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