II Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Diligence is another word rare in our writings, actions, and thought patterns. Here we have gone back to the NKJV to find a small selection of its usage. In context here, Paul had rebuked this church for their lack of action in addressing blatant sin. Finally, they woke up, repented, and acted. He uses the same word in the next chapter to challenge them to do the same in taking up a collection for needy believers in Judea. In short, diligence presses on to make things right - something New Year's resolutions rarely do. It is "careful and persistent effort." Of course, Paul is by no means calling for works salvation, but the recognition that the life of a Christ follower is a journey, along which we will constantly find things that need to change in our lives, and to do the journey right, we never coast or cease to see our lives bring glory to God. Have you begun to coast? Be Diligent!
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