Dedication, Discipline, Diligence

INTRODUCTION

Good morning Church. So I know there are parents in the congregation this morning. How many of you are happy that your children are returning to school this coming week? Now for the children. How many of you are excited to be returning to another year of school?

It is interesting. As I was talking to parents this week many of them were happy to have their children back in school. And I talked to some of the children and in some instances their response was not the same. There was many who felt as though their summer break was over way too soon. And to be honest I can remember being in that same situation as well. But dispite this I think there is an aspect of excitement; for what this year is to bring. I know some of the parent’s reasonings for being excited for the school year is that it brings back the routine present in their children’s lives. Routines like getting up early to get ready for school. The daily routines that come with the school day. Homework and a regular bedtime. In this there is elements of discipline, dedication, diligence. And I think that what’s interesting and sometimes missed during this time of year is the fact that this renewal of routine for those going back to school can also be for those of us who don’t have to. We can use this time to be renewed and refocused as well. And I think our passage this morning will give us great insight, from Paul, that we can use for our daily walks.

So the question that I think we should be considering as we go through our passage this morning is, “What attitudes and practices should I be looking for as a follower of Christ.?”

Please turn with me to .Pray

2 Timothy 2:1–7 ESV

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Pray

2 Timothy 2:1–13 ESV

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

Pray

2 Timothy 2:1–7 NIV

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

.Pray

Background on 2 Timothy

Just to give you a bit of a background to the epistle here in 2 Timothy. This epistle is a letter that was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy who was effectively his mentee. This letter was written while Paul was a prisoner in a Roman dungeon, now we know Paul spend a good bit of time under arrest, whether it be full on prison or in house arrest. This was the last of his epistles written, as not long after, according to church tradition, Paul was killed.

Just to give you a bit of a background to the epistle here in 2 Timothy. This epistle is a letter that was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy who was effectively his mentee. This letter was written while Paul was a prisoner in a Roman dungeon, now Paul spend a good bit of time under arrest, whether it be full on prison or in house arrest. This was the last of his epistles written, as not long after, according to church tradition, Paul was killed.

As I mentioned Timothy was Paul’s mentee. Paul became the spiritual father to Timothy, as scripture records. (). Timothy was identified as someone who had promise for ministry. And so Paul brought Timothy along with him and scripture tells us that Timothy was one of Paul’s most trustworthy fellow laborers and was a faithful representative and messenger. Paul’s purpose for writing this letter to Timothy was to encourage him in his ministry at Ephesus. Like a good mentor Paul was one to ensure that Timothy was pushed and encouraged in the right direction.

As I mentioned Timothy was Paul’s mentee. Paul became the spiritual father to Timothy, as scripture records. (). Timothy was identified as someone who had promise for ministry. And so Paul brought be along with him and scripture tells us that Timothy was one of Paul’s most trustworthy fellow laborers and was a faithful representative and messenger. Paul’s purpose for writing this letter to Timothy was to encourage him in his ministry at Ephesus. Like a good mentor Paul was one to ensure that Timothy was pushed and encouraged in the right direction.

In the beginning of 2 Timothy we are met with a reminder of the fondness that was felt by Paul toward Timothy. He is constantly in Paul’s prayers; for Timothy and his walk with Christ and his ministry to the people. Paul then includes a reminder to Paul to continue to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in [him]”. He encourages Timothy that the Spirit God gave him gives him power, love and self-disciple. Paul tells Timothy to join with him in suffering for the gospel, why because of the power that God gives. God saved them, and called them to that life because of His purpose and grace for Paul and Timothy. He then shares with Timothy some hard news, he feels abandoned by everyone in the province of Asia. But then closely follows that along by Paul thanking God for Onesiphorus because he “refreshed me and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains”.

We now get to the passage that we are going to look at this morning. And as I said before I think the question that should be put before us is “What attitudes and practices should I be looking for as a follower of Christ.?”

And I believe that our passage this morning provides for us 3 attitudes we should be looking for.

Point #1 - We need to be dedicated people.

EXPLANATION

Paul writes in verses 1-4 “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.“

Paul gives an excellent start to this section of scripture. He reminds Timothy that he is called to be strong in the grace that is in Jesus. This is a recognition that it not something that comes from Timothy or from himself. This grace that he is to be strong in, is a divine gift from God. Paul tells Timothy that the things that he has heard him say in the presence of many witnesses that Timothy is to entrust to reliable people who will be qualified to teach others.

Why would Paul tell Timothy this? Presumably Timothy is already doing this. Isn't he already ministering to the people in Ephesus? That fact that he mention this at all can make us think that maybe Timothy wasn’t quite doing this. I believe that just as your children need reminding and encouraging as they are getting back into these routines that Paul felt the need to remind Timothy of what he is supposed to be doing. And sometimes we need that little kick don’t we. We need those little reminders to encourage us to get back on track to get back in the rhythm of what we are supposed to be doing.

Why would Paul tell Timothy this? Presumably Timothy is already doing this. Isn’t he already ministering to the people in Ephesus? That fact that he mention this at all can make us think that maybe Timothy wasn’t quite doing this. I believe that just as your children need reminding and encouraging as they are getting back into these routines that Paul felt the need to remind Timothy of what he is supposed to be doing. And sometimes we need that little kick don’t we. We need those little reminders to encourage us to get back on track to get back in the rhythm of what we are supposed to be doing.

Then what appears to come right out of left field Paul mentions that faithfulness involves suffering. He tells Timothy to join with him in his suffering. Often as people we like the nice parts of our faith, the redemption, the love, the blessings. We are like I’ll take an extra helping of all those things. But when it comes to suffering and turmoil were like, “Hold on, maybe I’ll hold off on that” or “Lord can you take that back”. But Paul is telling Timothy to actually join in with him in the suffering. To choose to enter into it. What I believe he is telling Timothy is that faithfulness to God’s truth involves suffering. It is inevitable, it’s gonna happen. And sometimes this manifests itself not only in suffering where we are physically hurting or drastically lose something, although this does happen, but it can also be viewed as minor suffering. Like giving up something that we would rather not.

Then what appears to come right out of left field Paul mentions that faithfulness involves suffering. He tells Timothy to join with him in his suffering. Often as people we like the nice parts of our faith, the redemption, the love, the blessings. We are like I'll take an extra helping of all those things. But when it comes to suffering and turmoil were like, "Hold on, maybe I'll hold off on that" or "Lord can you take that back". But Paul is telling Timothy to actually join in with him in the suffering. To choose to enter into it. What I believe he is telling Timothy is that faithfulness to God's truth involves suffering. It is inevitable, it's gonna happen. And sometimes this manifests itself not only in suffering where we are physically hurting or drastically lose something, although this does happen, but it can also be viewed as minor suffering. Like giving up something that we would rather not.

Paul follows up this section on suffering with 3 illustrations for Timothy. The first being the example of a soldier. The type of soldier that Paul is referring to is a Roman soldier. And as he discusses this Roman soldier Paul mentions that they do not get entangled in civilian affairs but as a soldier they try to please their commanding officer. The soldier does not worry himself with things that do not form part of his overarching orders. And just in case you missed it imma repeat it again, the soldier does not worry himself with things that do not form part of his overarching orders. Roman soldiers in those days were examples of people who were single minded, purposeful, disciplined, and had unquestionable obedience to their commanding officer. For me this is summed up in one word, dedication. They were dedicated to their craft, to their calling, to their commanding officer. From what I know about soldiers their relationship with their commanding officer has an effect on the soldier.

Paul follows up this section on suffering with 3 illustrations for Timothy. The first being the example of a soldier. The type of soldier that Paul is referring to is a Roman soldier. And as he discusses this Roman soldier Paul mentions that they do not get entangled in civilian affairs but as a soldier they try to please their commanding officer. The soldier does not worry himself with things that do not form part of his overarching orders. And just in case you missed it imma repeat it again, the soldier does not worry himself with things that do not form part of his overarching orders. Roman soldiers in those days were examples of people who were single minded, purposeful, disciplined, and had unquestionable obedience to his commanding officer. For me this is summed up in one word, dedication. They were dedicated to their craft, to their calling, to their commanding officer. From what I know about soldiers their relationship with their commanding officer has an effect on the soldier.

Illustration

I can’t remember if I’ve shared this from the pulpit before but if you want to know one thing about me its I love history. I love learning about all manner of things that have taken place in the past. One particular aspect of history that I like is learning about the various wars and battles that have taken place. And as a result of this I’m a fan of some of the movies and shows that have depicted life in battle. One of my favorites is Band of Brothers. This is an HBO series which depicts Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, and their mission in World War II Europe.

In this series there is one particular character. Lieutenant Winters. He was one of the soldiers who you get to watch come up through the military ranks in the show. And what you get to see is how he captures the devotion and dedication of his troops. And the reason he was able to do this is that he had gained the respect of his men by showing them that when they are in the midst of the battle that he was right there with them. He wasn’t a commanding officer who would issue orders from afar. He was right there with them in the action guiding them through the hard times of battle.

Application

I only have one application point for us in this point. And this is done for a reason as it is so crucial.

As we think through the question, “How can we be people who are dedicated?” I reflect to this example of Lieutenant Winters. But in our context Jesus is our commanding officer, he is the greatest commanding officer. In the book of John we get some great instructions from Jesus, listen to them. In he says, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”” And then in we read, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” Great instructions from Jesus. And they are both speaking to the commands that he gives. Jesus did provide us a great deal of things, or commands that we can use in our lives. But I want to focus on the two greatest ones that he’s called us to. And they are from which says, “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The greatest commandments can be summed up with Love God and Love Others. I believe that a big element in this is relationships. The first and most important relationship is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And I believe that when we nurture and focus on our relationship with Jesus that the natural outflow is right relationships with our neighbours, those around us. And I know this is probably elementary for a lot of us. But how often do we actually think about these things. Jesus calls for us to love him, but how often do we claim that and look to develop that relationship with Jesus?

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ i 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ j 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

I strongly feel that this is an area in our Christian walk where we can all grow in. So as we are working on getting back into these routines and rhythms of life with this new school year or time of year lets seek to develop that relationship with Jesus. Lets make a conscious effort to nurture that relationship. The first step being that we need to recognise our need for Jesus and our need to follow his commands.

The greatest commandments can be summed up with Love God and Love Others. I believe that a big element in this is relationships. The first and most important relationship is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And I believe that when we nurture and focus on our relationship with Jesus that the natural outflow is right relationships with our neighbours, those around us. And I know this is probably elementary for a lot of us. But how often do we actually think about these things. Jesus calls for us to love him, but how often do we claim that and look to develop that relationship with Jesus?

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

And as we continue with our passage we will talk more about what this looks like in our lives.

I strongly feel that this is an area in our Christian walk where we can all grow in. So as we are working on getting back into these routines and rhythms of life with this new school year or time of year lets seek to develop that relationship with Jesus. Lets make a conscious effort to nurture that relationship. The first step being that we need to recognise our need for Jesus and our need to follow his commands.

And as we continue with our passage we will talk more about what this looks like in our lives.

Point #2 - We need to be disciplined people.

Explanation

Paul then writes in verse 5, “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

In the second illustration Paul is speaking of an athlete. And he says that, “an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules”. What is Paul communicating here. Now we know that this isn’t the first illustration of an athlete used by Paul in his writings. Actually through reading scripture we can see that Paul uses athletic metaphors quite regularly. We see this in ; , , .

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

We have to find out what he means by “rules” here. It could be that he is giving us a quick glimpse of what was required in his time for an athlete. In this time athletes or competitors of the Olympic games were required to swear that they had trained diligently for at least a 10 month period. And so by doing this there were abiding by the rules of the Olympics and would be able to race for the crown. They had to swear to the fact that they were disciplined in their training and were ready for the athletic event that they were competing in.

In the second illustration Paul is speaking of an athlete. And he says that, “an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules”. What is Paul communicating here. Now we know that this isn’t the first illustration of an athlete used by Paul in his writings. Actually through reading scripture we can see that Paul uses athletic metaphors quite regularly. We see this in ; , , .

And this one likely points to the Olympic Games. We know that the tradition of the Olympics started a very long time ago, even before Paul is on the scene.

But we have to find out what he means by “rules” here. It could be that he is giving us a quick glimpse of what was required in his time for an athlete. In this time athletes or competitors of the Olympic games were required to swear that they had trained diligently for at least a 10 month period. And so by doing this there were abiding by the rules of the Olympics and would be able to race for the crown. They had to swear to the fact that they were disciplined in their training and were ready for the athletic event that they were competing in.

Illustration

I would imagine that everyone here knows about Usain Bolt, also known as the fastest man alive. And I’m sure that we all can remember the London Olympics in 2012 where Bolt won the 100 meter sprint. But we know that he didn’t just win it. This man was so fast that he was able to make world know how fast he was by beating on his chest, in the middle of a race! It took him less than 10 seconds to cover this distance, to win the gold medal and to get the title “Fastest Man Alive”.

But we know that this race wasn’t entirely won in those 10 seconds. It was won by the hours and hours of practice, workouts, weightlifting, special diet and coaching. It was won in the disciplined preparation for the race.

The race wasn’t won in the performance but in the preparation. He was able to get the victors crown by following the strict rules set for himself.

Application

I think Paul here is using this illustration to emphasize to Timothy that the Christian life demands the practice of self-discipline. And this discipline affects and should affect his personal behaviour and inner attitude.

And I think for each one of us this translates into the question of, “How do I live a disciplined life”.

A definition for discipline is “training to ensure proper behaviour”. So we also must ask ourselves is what sort of behaviors should we be developing as followers of Christ.

1. Prayer – One thing I think we can do in disciplining ourselves is to work on our prayer lives. I think this is a excellent way for us to develop a disciplined life. says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” And I love this verse in Ephesians because it not only encourages us to be in prayer for every and anything but it reminds us to be praying for others.

For me this is the place to start with discipline. Asking God for the strength the wisdom to be disciplined in your/our lives.

2. Reading God’s word – Another element of a disciplined life for me is being in scripture. This is another behavior that I think is really important in the life of a believer, and that is being in God’s word regularly. I think just like an athlete who is preparing and training for an event, and who is being disciplined in their routine to get better, we need to be in training ourselves through reading and allowing God’s word to shape who we are. Spending the time reading and learning about Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us.

And I think for each one of us this translates into the question of, “How do I live a disciplined life”.

Scripture says in , “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” And in , “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

And another great example comes right from where Paul says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Scripture should be used to train us up.

I would encourage you to find time throughout your day to spend some time in prayer and in God’s word. Spend some time allowing God’s holy scripture to mold your life. To change you, to direct you.

A definition for discipline is “training to ensure proper behaviour”. So we also must ask ourselves is what sort of behaviors should we be developing as followers of Christ.

During this time of the year. We’ve talked about how it is a time to get back into routines. This is a great time to incorporate these routines like praying and reading the bible into your day to day. To make it a priority.

1. Prayer - One thing I think we can do in disciplining ourselves is to work on our prayer lives. I think this is a excellent way for us to develop a disciplined life. says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” And I love this verse in Ephesians because it not only encourages us to be in prayer for every and anything but it reminds us to be praying for others.

For me this is the place to start with discipline. Asking God for the strength the wisdom to be disciplined in your/our lives.

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

2. Reading God’s word - Another element of a disciplined life for me is being in scripture. This is another behavior that I think is really important in the life of a believer, and that is being in God’s word regularly. I think just like an athlete who is preparing and training for an event, and who is being disciplined in their routine to get better, we need to be in training ourselves through reading and allowing God’s word to shape who we are. Spending the time reading and learning about Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us.

Scripture says in , “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” And in , “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

And another great example comes right from where Paul says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Scripture should be used to train us up.

I would encourage you to find time throughout your day to spend some time in prayer and in God’s word. Spend some time allowing God’s holy scripture to mold your life. To change you, to direct you.

During this time of the year. We’ve talked about how it is a time to get back into routines. This is a great time to incorporate these routines like praying and reading the bible into your day to day. To make it a priority.

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Point #3 - We need to be diligent people.

Point #3

Explanation

Paul writes in verse 6, “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” Paul provides for us an emphasis here. That emphasis is hard work. He says that the hard work, or diligence provides a reward. Just so that we can get the full effect of the idea of diligence I want to share the definition of diligence. It is – careful and persistent work or effort.

Paul is telling Timothy that he must work hard. And the work that his is to work hard in is ministry. We see in scripture that Paul frequently uses the verb “hardworking” to describe the work of ministry. I have 2 examples here for you. We see this in which says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” We also see this in it says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

And this is no coincidence because ministry is hard work. Caring for people and their physical, emotional and spiritual needs is hard work. But as Christians as followers of Christ we are called to it. We are called to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God.

Caring for people and their physical, emotional and spiritual needs is hard work.

And this is no coincidence because ministry is hard work. Caring for people and their physical, emotional and spiritual needs is hard work. But as Christians as followers of Christ we are called to it. We are called to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God.

And Paul says that the farmer is to receive the first share of the crops. If you’ve ever planted anything you know that it involves waiting. And not just waiting but it requires regular maintenance and care. And after a period of time waiting you are then able to enjoy the fruits of your labour. But if you don’t take the time to care and maintain your crops you are likely not going to get much in the way of reward. And I think the reward that Paul is talking about can be viewed as a spiritual reward from God for a job diligently done. Meaning we may not see the fruit of our labours right away. We may never see them on this earth but the fruit of our labours may be seen when we are in heaven.

Illustration

There is a saying that I stumbled upon that I think is fitting, it says “There are three kinds of workers. For example, when a piano is to be moved, the first kind gets behind and pushes, the second pulls and guides, and the third grabs the piano stool.”

In this example, although its ment to be a bit humorous, there is a bit of truth in it. There are folks who step up, dig in to see the piano get moved and then there are some who seek the easy task and grab the piano stool and are like I’ve done my part.

Out of these which do you think Paul would have instructed Timothy to emulate.

Application

So as we think through this questions about how we can be people who are diligent I think we need to take heed of Paul’s instruction to Timothy. We need to seek out opportunities to work hard. And remember this working hard isn’t for our sake. It isn’t for our glory. It is for the Glory of our heavenly father.

So I’m going to go back to how can we seek to live out this diligence in our lives?

1. I think we need to see where there are needs. Are you aware of the needs of those around you? Do you know of the needs relating to service here in our church? Do you know the needs relating to service to the people around you? I’d say if you don’t then you should ask. Seek out opportunities, ask someone. Look for ways you can throw in. Do you have an expertise? Find someway to use that for God’s glory and for his service. says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

2. Get out and do it. It’s not much more that I can say to that. We need to get out of our seats. Out of our comfort and get moving. says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

3. Remember that your motives for doing this isn’t to check a box. It isn’t to look around at others to say look at me, look at me see what I’m doing. It is to ultimately glorify God. It is to share him and to follow his command to love others. says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Print.

So I’m going to go back to how can we seek to live out this diligence in our lives?

1. I think we need to see where there are needs. Are you aware of the needs of those around you? Do you know of the needs relating to service here in our church? Do you know the needs relating to service to the people around you? I’d say if you don’t then you should ask. Seek out opportunities, ask someone. Look for ways you can throw in. Do you have an expertise? Find someway to use that for God’s glory and for his service. says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

2. Get out and do it. It’s not much more that I can say to that. We need to get out of our seats. Out of our comfort and get moving. says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This is a great time of year to be putting these things in practice. As we are gearing up to know what activities we and our family are going to be apart of we can seek to make sure to add in some element of service to our God. As we are asking and seeking for him to fill us with his spirit, his wisdom and his love we also should be asking him for ways that we can share that with the world around us.

3. Remember that your motives for doing this isn’t to check a box. It isn’t to look around at others to say look at me, look at me see what I’m doing. It is to ultimately glorify God. It is to share him and to follow his command to love others. says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is a great time of year to be putting these things in practice. As we are gearing up to know what activities we and our family are going to be apart of we can seek to make sure to add in some element of service to our God. As we are asking and seeking for him to fill us with his spirit, his wisdom and his love we also should be asking him for ways that we can share that with the world around us.

Conclusion

I truly believe that each one of us are called to live lives that are:

Dedicated

Disciplined

Diligent

Our God desires this of us. And we should desire this for ourselves. And so I encourage you. I ask you to consider, as you are looking over this next season to think about how you may incorporate these attitudes and practices into your daily living.

I want to close with a poem that I’ve shared with you before. It is again so fitting for our message this morning. It says:

Disturb us, Lord, when

We are too pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true,

Because we dreamed too little,

When we arrived safety

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternity

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wilder seas

Where storms will show Your mastery;

Where losing sight of land,

We shall find the stars.

Let us pray.