There are ways to define diligence besides describing it as persistent. I've learned that it "implies steady effort and is used in context with keeping the commandments...giving heed to God and his word...and nourishing the growth of the word of God." (Largey 232) The sons of Mosiah are an example of how we can obtain the ability to teach with power because of their diligence in scripture study, fasting and prayer. They "taught with power and authority of God" (Alma 17:3)which helped the Lamanites feel the spirit.
I recall a time when I taught a gospel lesson, and before the lesson I had prayed sincerely to Heavenly Father to help me as much as he could. I asked for the spirit to be with me, so the people would understand my message that I prepared for them. Not only was I wanting to be in tune with the spirit, but most importantly I wanted the people to learn and feel the spirit as much as they could. As I finished my prayer, I received a warm confirmation that everything was going to be all right and that I had been striving to keep Heavenly Father's commandments and have been diligent. After thinking it through and having the spirit with me during the lesson, I realized how important it is to make those simple yet easy choices. Sometimes we can find ourselves in a situation where we aren't diligent or steadfast, because it's easier for us to give up and not care.
Like in the scriptures 1 Nephi 16-18, Nephi could have given up and murmured just like his brothers. My favorite ancient prophet said, "I did look unto my God, and did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." (1 Nephi 18:16) It's a sense of attitude that we have, when we are faced with trials, that helps us be and remain diligent. As we live our lives "sometimes we must take the heat, even if we are not certain the thermostat of trial will soon be turned down."(Maxwell 50) If we have a negative attitude about our circumstances most likely we will fall into temptations because isn't that Satan's plan? Does he not want us to feel low and think that Heavenly Father doesn't love us? We can learn from Lehi's family, by remembering how they ended up in the promised land. Not only was it just by faith, but also with diligence that Nephi's family was able to reach the promised land. They decided to make that one choice to follow the Liahona and "according to the faith and diligence which [they] gave unto it...[they] saw that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." (1Nephi 16:29) These great things in our life can be teaching someone and setting an example for others.
With diligence in keeping the commandments, we can bless ourselves and others by always having the spirit with us. True diligence, I believe, is having unwavering thoughts about choosing the right. It's trusting in the Lord, because you know he will be there always wherever you are. "It may not be on the mountain height or over the stormy sea, It may not be at the battle's front [Our] Lord will have need of [us]. But if, by a still small voice he calls to paths that [we] do not know, [we'll] answer dear Lord, with [our] hand in thine: [We'll] go where you want [us] to go." (Hymns 270)
In conclusion, "Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward."(D&C 136:27) With diligence, the prophets in the scriptures were able to be great stewards in teaching the gospel to those who needed it most. As a servant to our Heavenly Father, we should remain diligent in all that we do so we can receive the blessings that the Lord wants to offer us. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost." (1 Nephi 10:19) I realize now how important it is for us to be diligent because of the many references it makes it the scriptures. Lastly, the blessings are endless if we stay diligent in keeping the Lord's commandments and endure to the end.
Scriptures
1.Alma 17:3
2. 1 Nephi 18:16
3.1 Nephi 16:29
4. D&C 136:27
5.1 Nephi 10:19
Sources
1. scriptures
2. Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Salt Lake City, UT. 1985
3. Maxwell, Neal A. All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience. Salt Lake City, UT. 2007
4. Largey, Dennis L. Book of Mormon Reference Companion. Salt Lake City, UT. 2003
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9 comments:
Kamrie! I love your diligence blog! =] I especially loved how you used the hymn. I sing at a nursing home on Sundays and we sang that one yesterday to a particular man who just LOVED it! he he... That is one of my favorites. =] I also enjoy hearing about people's personal experiences with gospel principles. =]I myself have had times in my life when it was hard to be constantly diligent because I was so tired and just wanted to give up. Thank goodness that our Father loves us and will NEVER give up on us! Nice work. =]
I like that you use a lot of elements to provide a roundedness to your blog: quotes, personal experiences, testimony, questions. Good job!
That was a new and creative look at diligence. Nice incorporation of personal experiences.
I loved your use of the hymn in your blog. It really drove home the point that we need to remain diligent in all that the Lord commands, whether great or small.
I like how you recognize that diligence can be applied both in our every day lives as well as in a spiritual sense. Even though it is hard to be diligent all of the time, it is comforting to know that God will always be there for us. Great job!
I liked how you mentioned that to be diligent we need to be optmistic. Without a good mindset it's really hard to carry on and try our hardest. Thanks for the reminder.
All I can do is stand up and applaud. Anything else that I would say would take away from your paper. Great job.
I enjoyed your experience about when you were teaching a lesson and you talked to the lord and asked him for help. Great example of diligence and faith. Really great blog.
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