Diligence
Of late it has become fashionable to claim a cheap reputation for loftiness of moral aims by sneering at what are called the "smug virtues." There is a great deal about these despised virtues in the Book of Proverbs, and consequently a very low estimate is formed of that portion of Scripture. But is there not something hollow about this assumption of ethical elevation? It cannot be denied that the "smug virtues" have a real obligation. No one would venture to say that they can be dispensed with. They are simply of a comparatively inferior value. But till they are complied with it is often difficult to rise to more ethereal heights of goodness. Meanwhile that man is little short of a hypocrite who neglects the plain duties that lie at his door for the pursuit of some other more recondite graces. Diligence is one of the first of these duties, and it is requisite for various reasons. Note some of them.
I. WEALTH DEPENDS ON WORK. This is a primary law of providence. God might have fed us as he fed the ravens. But instead of putting food ready for our mouths, he gives us hands with which to work for it. Social arrangements only disguise this law. The son inherits the fruits of his father's industry. The idle man sucks the honey of other men's toil. But it remains truth that work makes wealth. Every man's wealth depends largely on the work of some one—his own or somebody else's. It is the duty of everybody to see that he is not dependent upon other people's labours if he can help himself. The man who squanders his money in prosperous times, and throws himself on public charity directly he is ill or out of work, is guilty of gross selfishness amounting to dishonesty. It is plainly every man's duty not only to keep himself and his family, but, where it is possible, to make fit provision for the future, or he will be robbing others of their maintenance. Hence one obligation to be industrious and thrifty.
II. WORK IS FOR OUR OWN GOOD. People talk of the curse of toil, little knowing that it is one of the greatest blessings we have. Better talk of the curse of idleness. It is a happy thing that man has to earn his bread with the sweat of his brow. Work develops strength—strength of mind as well as strength of limb. The self-made man is not invariably a model of grace; but he is usually a specimen of sturdy vigor of character, as different from the limp conventionality of indolence as granite rock from drifting seaweed.
III. WE ARE ALL STEWARDS. The servant is required to be industrious for his master's sake. His time is not his own. He is not at liberty, therefore, to lounge about in dreamy idleness. We are stewards of the things lent us by God. He has sent us to work in his vineyard. In duo time he will call us to account. "To be blameless as a steward of God" a man must be faithful, honest, industrious.
IV. CHRISTIANITY INCULCATES DILIGENCE. No greater mistake can be made than to suppose that the New Testament favours indolence. The ideal of Oriental monasticism is derived from other sources. Even the remake in the West knew better. In its palmy days European monasticism was the centre of honest toil. The monks cleared forests, reclaimed bogs, built cathedrals, cultivated farms, studied, laboriously copied and preserved for us the invaluable treasures of the literature of antiquity. Amongst other fruits of grace in the Christian's heart will be increased diligence in business. Christian principle, however, is necessary to consecrate industry. Without it wealth. will be a god, business an absorbing worldly influence, and success a source of low selfish pleasure. But he who is diligent on Christian principle will make his business holy by working in it as the servant of Christ, and his wealth holy by dedicating it to the use of God.