Title

Put a Spring In Your Step

Scripture
He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
(Proverbs 10:4)
Devotional
Have you ever noticed certain people who seem to walk with purpose? There is a spring to their step, and their steps are sure and nimble. If you follow that person, you will most likely be following the diligent. The slacker, on the other hand, moves sluggishly and precariously. His steps are unsure and aimless. There is no direction because he is following no one. He simply meanders along hoping for a windfall. The diligent has direction. He knows where he is going because he is following a leader. There is joy and prosperity in diligence, but sorrow and poverty in slackness. Each is a choice. It is not a matter of intelligence. It is, quite simply, a matter of laziness. It is simply a matter of choice. Both the diligent and the slacker have the same amount of time and resources available to them. Why not choose the way of diligence? “The hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Text For The Day
Proverbs 10:4: He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
 
Thought For The Day

“I will do more than belong—I will participate. I will do more than care—I will help. I will do more than believe—I will practice. I will do more than be fair—I will be kind. I will do more than forgive—I will forget. I will do more than dream—I will work. I will do more than teach—I will inspire. I will do more than earn—I will enrich. I will do more than give—I will serve. I will do more than live—I will grow. I will do more than suffer—I will triumph.” William Ward, (1769-1833), accomplished printer and missionary to India with William Carey.

Questions To Ponder
·         Do we mistakenly see God as meandering through the universe and time? Does He not walk with a purpose?
·         Does a person’s physical conduct reflect his spiritual demeanor?
·         Does your physical walk match your spiritual walk?
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  Our thought for the day by William Ward wonderfully defines the diligent. If you delete the “do more” from his wisdom, you will readily define the slack hand.
 
Referencing: “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor,” Proverbs 12:24.
 
Applying: Do more than exist, diligently live. The words of William Ward may make a good life’s mission statement.