Dec 06 | On a Christian Virtue: Diligence

Some time ago for my leadership studio class we had to consider the Christian virtues. I wrote a short piece on “diligence.” Now I think it might be fun to do the same for the other virtues! Here is the first one: the rest will follow soon!

 

On Diligence

“Diligence” is a virtue that I see as essential to the Church in our time, and something that I struggle with. I can throw myself into something whole-heartedly and never feel like it’s enough, or I can start with great ideas and have them stagnate because I either lose interest or don’t have the energy or time to exercise diligence, which usually leads to guilt. Sometimes I know I need to slow down in order to recognize diligence, but I often worry that people think I’m lazy or incapable if I take time to do things slowly. Oddly enough, there’s another translation of spoudē, the Greek word for “diligence”, which is “haste”. “Haste” is something I believe I absorbed in some of my first years in school, where I would be chastised for taking too long to finish things. I internalized the idea that most people expected things to be done quickly, especially authority figures, and unfortunately that led to some anxiety when a task took me longer than it took others, especially things like math or logic-based thinking, which has always been a growing edge for me. I also became someone who got frustrated if I felt progress was being impeded and would sooner give up on a stalled project than exercise diligence to make sure it came out late, but well done. I like quick results – like many people in the world. It was a great relief then, to encounter the spirituality of mindfulness, and moving thoughtfully through tasks. I still struggle with it, though, but at least I know it’s a struggle. The “P” in my Myers-Briggs typology thanks me when I do this.

It’s not only important for my own peace of mind and development that I continue to strive for diligence in my daily life, work, and prayers. When I trace the term in Scripture, I see it as being deeply connected to one’s calling as a Christian, particularly in the Epistles. In the second letter of Peter, diligence is needed in order to bring about a string of other virtues that all work together and support one another – goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, and godliness. I draw strength from the Jesus of Mark, whose disciples are painted as a bit dense. Jesus never gives up, even when it becomes clear that they’re not going to understand his full teachings until it’s too late. In Romans, it’s the mark of a leader – crucial to the exhortation of others. This idea is particularly appealing to me. My greatest joy, gift, and task, is proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ Jesus. I love nothing more than to, when invited, share with someone the amazing reconciliation that Christians proclaim has happened in Jesus, and doing so in such a way as my joy is infectious, not simply inspiring new believers but encouraging long-time believers as well. I seem to have boundless stores of energy to devote to this particular part of my ministry, and in this case I do not lack in diligence. While I have plenty of other failings as a person of faith, I feel that my strength lies in living a life that is joyful for the great gift of God in Christ, and the great gift of God in love. Diligence in living and proclaiming this never seems to wane.

What can I do about the places where my life lacks diligence? I found a paper online that explores the concept of Christian diligence and offers some passages that supposedly tell one where to draw diligence. I was a bit cautious – proof-texting is something about which I’ve come to feel very skeptical – but I found an interesting kernel that bore more thought. The passage cited was in 2 Corinthians Chapter 7, where Paul mentions “godly grief.” The phrase is in reference to what appear to be feelings of guilt and anxiety over the sins of the community at Corinth, but is labeled “godly” because the community is hence called to repent. While this reading gives me some trepidation – I know for myself that guilt usually plunges me into futility – I do think its focus on repentance is helpful, and I am heartened that for Paul it is most important that the sinful person who had been pushed out of the community is restored. Clearly forgiveness is the main drive here, and repentance the main goal of this godly grief. Instead of languishing in shame – and some types of shame can be quite healthy, after all – mindfulness of oneself and moments where diligence is lacking can lead to repentance. Perhaps the simple drive to start fresh or approach things from a different perspective is enough. And of course, I hope in God. My diligence in faith grows stronger every day. I expect that will be enough to hold onto for the long haul.