We agreed upon a definition that diligence was someone who was steady, consistent, earnest, had zeal and energetic effort.

We also agreed that diligence implies that we really care about whatever it is we are doing.

To be diligent takes some effort.

I considered the opposites for a moment, negligent, lazy, careless, idle.

The scriptures are filled with references to diligence or being diligent.

One of my favourites is found in Moroni 9:6, when Mormon counselled his son Moroni saying: “Let us labour diligently…. For we have a labour to perform…”

I thought for a moment about the labours I have to perform, and am I diligent in performing them?

What labours do you have to perform?

As a father, as a mother, as a brother, as a sister, as a son, or as a daughter?

As an employer, as an employee, as a volunteer, as a missionary?

At home, in the workplace, in the community or in the mission field?

“He who labours diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labour.” – Mark Water.

Diligence is a prized possession that I hope we all want to have in our lives.

How does a lazy person transition to being diligent?

In my experience, there is usually some kind of a wake-up call, a painful experience perhaps, that opened their eyes to the trouble their lazy ways have reaped.

I hope that you haven’t had too many wake up calls in life and choose to be diligent!

Are you diligent?