JANUARY 20, Proverbs 12:24

“She is hardworking and consistent in her work.” Do you often receive such remarks in your report card? If you do, Mom and Dad must be very pleased and your grades should not be bad.

Hardworking children are likeable and earn the respect of others. Teachers do not need to breathe down their necks to get their homework done. Those who top the class are more likely to belong to this group of hardworking students. On the other hand, lazy children are the ones who are often scolded by parents and teachers. They tend to worry and grief parents. Therefore, it is not surprising that diligent pupils are often chosen to be class monitors and prefects. They are also more likely to represent the class or school in quizzes and competitions.

The Bible says the diligent shall rule. They are the ones who will be put in charge of important jobs and the lazy ones shall be under them. They will become servants of the diligent. Children, what do you choose to be?

There are some examples in the Bible of men/women who were diligent. Can you identify them? Unscramble the letters to form their names:

1. J __________ ( Jsehpo)
             (He became Prime Minister of Egypt)

2. D __________ (Dielna)
              (He became Prime Minister in Babylon)

3. M __________ (Mseso)
                (As leader, he served 2 million people in the Wilderness)

4. R __________ (Rhtu)
              (She worked long in the fields to feed herself and her mother-in-law)

Thought: God wants us to be diligent. I must not be lazy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to work hard at whatever You have given me to do. I want to give of my best in whatever I do so that I will glorify You. Whether I become successful or not, my hard work will bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.