Do Diligence

Simon Peter mapped out life in God’s kingdom on earth. He wrote to all believers, showing us the way to “become partakers of the divine nature” made possible by God’s power through Jesus Christ. He outlined something of a formula to experience “His precious and magnificent promises.”

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

“…as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you” (see 2 Peter 1:1-11).

The “eternal kingdom” is not a promise of the future, but the one established through the work of Christ. It is available to us right now. That’s why Paul told his understudy, Timothy, to “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (see 1 Timothy 6:12). We are called to experience the extended rule and reign of heaven right here on earth.

These eight practices guide us on the road to His kingdom. Like highway signs pointing us in the right direction, following these markers leads us to our desired destination. The first step in Peter’s road to the “eternal kingdom” directly addresses the effort we make to step into our promised land. He calls us to “all diligence.” Kingdom life is not a passive journey. While it’s true that we cannot make it there on our own, we do have a part to play. Our posture must be intentional, active, and persistent.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you,” Jesus commanded (Matthew 6:33, emphasis added). A diligent pursuit of God’s kingdom will never happen if it is not our top priority. If it’s a one-hour, Sunday-only activity to check off a single box among the many things pressing our schedules, it’s anything but diligent.

The word diligence (spoudē in the Greek) signifies earnestness, zeal, and haste. It denotes an eagerness and a consistent, wholehearted commitment. It seeks purposeful activity aimed at growth and obedience. And it’s done today, not tomorrow or next Sunday or whenever it’s convenient.

Considering our tendency to diligently fulfill our own needs and the needs of our loved ones, it’s interesting that Jesus positioned this instruction in the middle of a discussion about our legitimate needs. He was literally addressing the anxiety we feel when pressed for what we deem “basic necessities,” specifically food, water, and clothing. He asked, “Which of you by worrying [about these things] can add a single day to his life’s span?” (verse 31). But how many of us wouldn’t worry if we didn’t have food to eat, water to drink, or clothes to wear?

Into this setting, He says to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we truly do that, He promises to provide our basic needs. (Notably, “all these things” is a direct reference to necessities, not luxuries.)

In a biblical sense, diligence is the opposite of slothfulness. It involves an active cooperation with God’s Spirit in the transformation of our lives. It is about being serious and persistent in our efforts to abide in His kingdom.

The call to diligence is echoed in the biblical book of wisdom:

“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4).

“Do you see a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (Proverbs 22:29).

Paul, too, emphasized diligence in kingdom matters. In Romans 12:11, he exhorts believers “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Diligence maintains our passion for serving God. Paul urges believers to maintain a spiritual intensity that refuses to settle for mediocrity.

No one modeled diligence more perfectly than Jesus Christ. He declared in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” Jesus lived with urgency, clarity, and focus—doing the Father’s will with unwavering commitment.

Diligence is the mark of mature faith. It is not about frantic busyness but consistent, purposeful effort toward growth in Christ. It begins with faith, is empowered by grace, and results in a life that reflects the nature of God.

So whether in prayer, study, service, or daily living, it’s time to “do diligence.” This is how we begin to fully experience His kingdom and then reflect His glory to the world.