A Call For Diligence And Vigilance!

"Vigilance" is defined as, "the condition of being watchful and alert, especially to danger" and "diligence" is defined as "persistent and hard-working effort in doing something." [source: Encarta ® World English Dictionary © 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation.]

Since the attacks on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City (September 11, 2001), the call has been for vigilance on the part of all. Security at airports, seaports where cargo is unloaded, dams, power plants, military bases, etc. has been tightened and a heightened sense of watchfulness has been urged upon all from government agencies on down to the average citizen of our country. Along with this vigilance also comes the need for diligence. All of this is for the well warranted purpose of saving lives. However, lives can be saved while souls are still lost. Therefore there should be an even greater sense of URGENCY put forth with regard to the soul and its eternal destiny.

Yesterday we focused on a verse from Psalm 119. Today, let us consider another section of this same psalm.

"You have COMMANDED YOUR PRECEPTS TO BE KEPT DILIGENTLY. (5) Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! (6) Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments." ( Psalm 119:4-6
ESV)

The Hebrew word translated "diligently" implies the ideas of abundance, exceedingly, muchness, force, or might. It is the call for MUCH EFFORT on our part. It is the cry for a SERIOUS FOCUS on what God has provided as the standard for life. God has given His precepts, but we must SINCERELY SEEK them and STEADFASTLY HOLD to them. Our life depends on it!

As Solomon offered a father's wise instruction, we read.
"(20) My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. (21) Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. (22) For THEY ARE LIFE TO THOSE WHO FIND THEM, and healing to all their flesh. (23) KEEP YOUR HEART WITH ALL VIGILANCE, for FROM IT FLOW THE SPRINGS OF LIFE." ( Proverbs 4:20-23 ESV)

To heed the wisdom was to FIND LIFE. The word translated "vigilance" in the Hebrew implies the idea of posting a guard. That guard is to be in place to keep the wisdom we need from escaping! To keep the wisdom of our Heavenly Father with all diligence, vigilantly posting a guard at our heart, protects that from which flows the "springs of life." May we remain STEADFAST in exercising due diligence and vigilance in following the Will of God that brings the salvation of our life for eternity.

Have a great day ALERT TO ALL OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE!
Carl

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