Picture this: a teacher assigns the same project to two students. One takes the assignment seriously, dedicating time to study, research, and reflect. This student learns, grows, and develops critical thinking skills. The other student, however, chooses the quickest route—perhaps copying someone else’s work. While they both completed the project, the one who took the shortcut missed out on the learning process and the growth that comes with genuine effort.
This simple scenario mirrors our spiritual journey. God invites us to seek Him and His wisdom with diligence and passion. Proverbs 2:3-5 says, “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Just like the diligent student, those who invest time and effort into their relationship with God are transformed. Seeking His guidance, studying His Word, and spending time in prayer are not just spiritual practices—they are life-changing processes that shape our character and reveal His will for us.
Proverbs 13:4 warns us about this very thing: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
When it comes to God and spending time with Him and His Word, shortcuts and distractions rob us of the richness that would otherwise come from making your personal study and prayer time with Him sacred. They leave us spiritually malnourished, weak in faith, and unprepared for the challenges and storms of life that do come. Jesus illustrated this in Matthew 7:24-25: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Building our lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word requires effort and dedication. It means hearing His teachings, applying them, and allowing them to shape us from the inside out.
Even leaders must learn to follow well. The difference lies in discernment. A good follower listens, learns, and grows. Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
On the other hand, a bad follower follows blindly, without questioning or seeking understanding. Proverbs 14:15 warns, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” God doesn’t want us to follow others unthinkingly; He wants us to follow Him with understanding and faithfulness.
If you’re unsure how to discern God’s will, start with this promise from James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God delights in giving wisdom to those who seek Him.
This wisdom comes through the meditation on God's word while asking God in prayer, to teach and instruct you in His Word. Wisdom isn’t just for making decisions—it’s for shaping your entire life. It transforms how you think, act, and respond to the world around you. It helps you grow in faith, become an influencer to others, possibly a godly leader, and helps us follow Jesus with godly character and integrity.
God is calling you to a deeper relationship with Him. Note the distractions in your life and create a better plan. Cut out worldly distractions that your flesh craves. Stop it from distracting you from your sacred time with God, starting with your phone and social media. Don’t settle for spiritual shortcuts. Instead, be diligent in seeking Him, studying His Word, and praying for wisdom. “Make a short journal notation on what God is speaking to you and teaching you. That will build godly character and wisdom in you!
When storms come—and they will—you’ll find that because of your diligence, your foundation is strong in faith, and built on the rock of God's word, wisdom, and love. You’ll have the clarity to know His will, the strength to follow it, and the joy of growing closer to Him every day.
Let’s commit to being like the diligent student, not only learning but living God’s truth. And when it’s time to follow, let’s do so with wisdom, discernment, and faith.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
