For some reason, I had always thought that the word “diligence” meant to do something with intensity or fervor. Then later, I had thought just the opposite, that diligence meant to do something patiently, or thoroughly.

Now, I believe that God has shown me that it is a balance of both. Here’s a little saying that I wrote, and then some verses to help give it more meaning:

“Diligence is passion, tempered with patience.”

Here are some verses from Hebrews to go along with this:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” -Hebrews 12:14-15

Here is a short little poem I wrote back in 2004 about salvation:

Heart of sin, without measure,
Thirst within, for secret treasure,
Cold and numb, life’s darkest plea:
“Jesus come, abide in me!”

*This was originally sent out to the mailing list on 8/6/06*

If a man walks a path strewn about and covered with stones, his feet feel no pain - for they are calloused and numb. Yet if he walks a smooth path, and but steps upon one solitary stone, his foot feels a prick.

Again, if a man hears a crowd of voices, all chaotic and dis-harmonic, he understands none - for he is deafened to the noise. Yet if he is in silence, and hears a voice of disturbance, he recognizes it.

My child, you have been as the calloused feet, and the deaf ear. Your conscience is clear, and yet you are unfruitful. Is it not that you are immersed in carnality, that you cannot see your iniquity? You are awash in sin.

Think not that it is in the hands, beloved, but rather, sin is in the heart. Is it not that you are deaf, and you cannot hear the things that are spoken to grieve My Spirit? Is it not that you are calloused and of a hard heart, that you cannot feel the sensitivity of My own?

What else could it be that keeps you from Me? Am I am dumb god, that I should not speak? Or am I a distant god, that I should not manifest My love? Lo, I live within your very heart! How could I be more intimate? And are you even aware of this? Do you know of My closeness?

Beloved, what more could it be that restrains you than sin? Yet mark here this wisdom: it is not in the things that you do, but rather, in who you are.

My desire is that you would love Me. That is all. I want your heart! I crave your love and devotion. To do good works, to behave uprightly and decently, these may be ways to show your love, but what are they? Expressions. They are not love itself, but merely expressions.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” -John 14:15

Beloved, I care not so much for such things. They come naturally as light proceeds from a burning sun. It burns, and its light spreads across the whole earth. It is not your light so much I am after, as your burning. I want you to burn after Me.

When you do not shed such light, but rather dwell in darkness, it is only that you are being honest with yourself. And when you shed a would-be light, as a “good” work, without a burning love for Me, you are spreading a vain light that shall one day be extinguished.

Again, beloved, be honest. If you do not burn for Me, it is no wonder that you have no true light. It is no wonder you are unfruitful. Seek Me. I am the only one that can change you. You know that I am what you need.

If you have not found Me in My fullness, seek Me. And if you cannot, then seek to seek Me. Search with all your heart, and I will be found.

If you have not shared My love in its fullness, desire Me. And if you cannot, then desire to desire Me. Desire with all your heart, and you will know My love.