Diligence in the Scriptures

 Diligence is steady and constant effort and work towards a goal. Diligence is about endurance, not sprinting, and we do it with the Lord's help. Very short definition! Here's diligence in one sentence:

What do the scriptures say about diligence?

Well, here ya go!

Effort & Work

• “Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways” (D&C 75:29)
• “Let us not be weary in well doing” (Gal 6:9)
• “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Mt 7:24)
• “Be not slothful” (Heb 6:12)

Steady & Constant (Small and Simple Means)

• “The Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith… would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord” (3 Ne 6:14).
• Be faithful (D&C 5:35, 6:13, 6:37, 9:13, 27:18, 31:13, 42:66, 62:5, 81:5)
• “Be… firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!” (1 Ne 2:10)
• “Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works” (Mos 5:15)
• “Let us run with endurance [active persistence, perseverance, determination, patience] the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Heb 12:1)
• “They did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron” (1 Ne 8: 30)
• “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh 24:15)
• “When our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go” (Alma 26:27)
• “Watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard” (Mos 4:30)
• “Keep thy soul diligently” (Deut 4:9)
• “Be watchful and careful” (D&C 42:76)
• “They did press forward…clinging to the rod of iron” (1 Ne 8:24)
• Liahona worked “according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Ne 16:28-29) 
• “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent” (Mos 4:27)
• “Be diligent and temperate in all things” (Alma 38:10)
• “Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided… but be diligent unto the end” (D&C 10:4)

Grace: With the Lord’s Help

• Jesus: ”Let us run with endurance [active persistence, perseverance, determination, patience] the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith [trust, loyalty]” (Heb 12:1).
• We can run with endurance (faith) because Jesus has authored our faith. JESUS is the source of all diligent effort.
• “Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you” (D&C 31:13, also D&C 24:8, 75:13)
• Grace: “Continue in the grace [power] of God” (Acts 13:43)
• Love: “Continue ye in my love” (John 15:9)
• Prepare: “the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Ne 3:7)
• Faith & Hope:
• “Hope cometh of faith, [and] maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works” (Ether 12:4) 
• "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark” (Philip 3:13-14)
• “Nourish the word,… with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof” (Alma 32:41)

At All Times, Unto the End

• Be “diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times” (Alma 7:23)
• “Continue in my word” (John 8:31, also Jacob 6:11, Omni 1:26)
• “Be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days” (Mos 5:5)
• “Endure…even unto the end of thy days” (D&C 24:8)
• “Be diligent unto the end” (D&C 10:4)
• “Be faithful unto the end” (D&C 31:13)
• “Continue in these things even unto the end” (D&C 66:12)

Rewards & Promises

• “Any man that shall… continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst” (D&C 84:80)
• Companionship: “I am with the faithful always” (D&C 62:9); “I, the Lord, will go with you” (D&C 66:8)
• Love: “Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love” (D&C 6:20)
• Peace and prosperity: “There was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God” (Alma 49:30)
• Strength: “He that is faithful shall be made strong in every place” (D&C 66:8)
• Deliverance: “if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage” (Mos 7:33)
• Victory: 
• “All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith” (D&C 103:36)
• “Inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory” (D&C 104:82)
• Protection:
• “if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you” (D&C 33:13)
• Revelations, Guidance, Mysteries of God
• “Inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do” (D&C 52:4)
• “They shall also be crowned … with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent” (D&C 59:4)
• Mysteries of God are granted “unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him” (Alma 12:9)
• “He that diligently seeketh shall find and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them” (1 Ne 10:19)
• “he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light” (D&C 50:24)
• Eternal Life: 
• “if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life” (D&C 18:8)
• “Continue in these things even unto the end, and you shall have a crown of eternal life” (D&C 66:12)
• Other:
• “Be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize” (Mos 4:27)
• “Because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, … ye shall pluck the fruit thereof…. Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you” (Alma 32:42-43)

Diligence (Oct 2020 Conference Themes)

 This post is part of a series reflecting on October 2020 General Conference. Read the intro here. 

The first General Conference theme I focused on is diligence. 

This theme, I feel, came as an answer to a major issue in my life. I hear Elijah’s voice regularly, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” During Conference, I felt like the Lord was gently reminding me - “You have to be constant in your efforts. Choose this day whom you will serve, and do that. Consistent, daily decisions are the path to becoming like Christ. Press forward, push through. Keep going. Doin’t give up.” 

Diligence is basically steady and constant effort and work in the direction of a desired goal. That goal may be something really specific, or as broad as “becoming like Christ.” With anything we want to accomplish, it requires diligence - steady and constant effort and work. This is one meaning of the word faithful - to be faithful is to be committed, constant, and loyal. 

Another key to diligence is persistence - not giving up. We won’t reach our goal with a few days of effort. No, we need to be constant over a long period of time. Press forward, don’t give up. 

Also, I think we can sometimes get overwhelmed by diligence. It seems SO BIG and we have to do it FOREVER?? Well, that’s another piece of good news. The scriptures (and this General Conference) really emphasize that diligence is a marathon not a sprint. We are constant and steady over a long period of time because we rely on “small and simple means.” We know we will not achieve our goal overnight. The Lord says it is not requisite that we run faster than we have strength. And that’s what diligence is about - small, consistent efforts over time. 

One of the most important aspects of diligence (in my opinion), that probably won’t be mentioned in the dictionary, is grace - relying on the Lord’s strengthening power. We will not be able to go on steadily and constantly forever by relying on our own strength. If we want to make it, we need the Lord’s help. 

Here are some synonyms and other keys words associated with diligence: 

Steadfast, Firm, Immovable, Press forward, Endure, Faithful, Patience, Determination, Persistent, Commitment, Continue, Persevere

If you want to learn about diligence, I’d recommend going to the Topical Guide or Index to the Triple Combination and reading verses under those headings. 

The scriptures also promise so many rewards for diligence. Honestly, check them out! 

I think there is one verse that really encapsulates all these aspects of diligence. It’s a classic:

Alright, now that we know what diligence is, what did the speakers at General Conference teach about diligence?

Great question! Here are some quotes about diligence, organized under those five aspects of diligence (Some appear more than once, because they cover multiple categories).

Effort & Work

• “It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work…It takes consistent, daily effort” (Pres Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail”)
• “Maintaining change takes effort” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• “It is always worth the effort to keep trying” (Carlos A. Godoy, “I Believe Angels”)
• “Such adjustment requires a daily and constant personal effort” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “By their faithful endurance and effort, they became more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father” (Henry B. Eyring, “Tested, Proved, Polished”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• "Commit to exerting meaningful effort. These attributes… will come incrementally while endeavoring…You will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts.” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)

Steady & Constant (by small & simple means)

• “It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work…It takes consistent, daily effort” (Pres Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail”)
• "These attributes won’t come cheaply and suddenly, but through His grace they will come incrementally while endeavoring…In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts.” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “Additional aspects of a spiritual foundation…include acting ‘in wisdom and order,’ which implies a gradual buildup…over time, as well as embracing “small and simple” means, which is a demonstration of faith that the Lord will magnify our small but consistent efforts” (W. Christopher Waddell, “There Was Bread”)
• “We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles….Our daily choices will either help or hinder our progress. Small but steady, deliberate changes will help us improve.” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• ““I may not soon make it to the top, but I can do this next step right now.” Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable—step by step” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “Such adjustment requires a daily and constant personal effort” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

Grace (relying on the Lord’s strength and power)

• “Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven’s inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward” (M. Russell Ballard, “Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always”)
• “We are never alone in our efforts” (Sharon Eubank, “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power With God”)
• “The Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “The Lord will magnify our small but consistent efforts” (W. Christopher Waddell, “There Was Bread”)
• “He will send angels to help you” (Carlos A. Godoy, “I Believe Angels”)
• “Combining our efforts with the Savior’s ability to change us, we become new creatures….In addition to the transforming power of our Savior’s Atonement, the Holy Ghost will support and guide us as we put forth our effort” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• "These attributes won’t come cheaply and suddenly, but through His grace they will come” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail”(Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

At All Times & Unto the End

• “Such adjustment…takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles throughout our lives…Do not become discouraged. Change is a lifelong process” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)

Rewards & Promises

• “The Lord…promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• “Our faith will grow as we experiment on the word of God with hope and diligence” (Lisa Harkness, “Peace, Be Still”)
• “By their faithful endurance and effort, they became more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father” (Henry B. Eyring, “Tested, Proved, Polished”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

Find all the General Conference addresses here. 

October 2020 General Conference

 This October, I went into General Conference with one major life problem, two questions, and the prayerful intention to notice themes. We often re-read General Conference talks after they’re given, but rarely do we experience the messages as a whole. So, during Conference weekend, my goal was to keep my eyes, ears, and spirit open to themes - What words or phrases did I notice repeatedly? What is the Lord trying to teach me with that? 

I also prayed to hear promptings and guidance - what do I need to study and do after Conference? 

I don’t have children yet, so my home is pretty chill. I took LOTS of notes during each session, writing down phrases or ideas that stood out to me - from the speaker’s mouth and from the Holy Ghost. 

At the end of each session, I went through my notes:

• I marked invitations to study certain topics or materials (like the promises to covenant Israel or manual on financial self-reliance)
• I marked promptings of things to DO (like get a temple recommend, do more family history, etc)
• I marked words of phrases that appeared in my notes multiple times, and made a list of that session’s themes. 

I did this after every session. So on Sunday afternoon, I had five lists of things to study and do, and themes. I combined all this into a big chart. This chart is my focus board for the next six months - what to study, how to learn, what to do. 

I felt, as I watched Conference, that it was just so rich. I felt like there was so much information and inspiration and guidance, and so much that I missed just listening to talks once! So my hope is to work through each of the themes I noticed, studying them in the General Conference talks and scriptures. 

Some of the themes I noticed were:

• Become like Christ, be transformed
• Press forward, be diligent, by small and simple means
• Unity (many references to Enoch and 4 Nephi)
• Christ as the source of peace, joy, and hope
• Benefit of afflictions and trials (blessings, increased faith, exaltation)

So over the next 6 months, I’ll be studying and compiling quotes and insights and (hopefully) sharing here!