An industrious person is attentive and active. An industrious person is committed and conscientious. An industrious person is dedicated and diligent. An industrious person is focused and faithful. An industrious person is hardworking and helpful. An industrious person is studious and steady.
A Christian is an industrious person. Paul exhorted, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). He further exhorted, “But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12).
Being industrious translates down to two things: heart and effort! Paul exhorted, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Solomon exhorted, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” We serve with all our heart because we are serving Christ. We serve with effort because in this life only we have that opportunity.
Johannes Sebastian Bach, the great German composer and musician said, “I am obligated to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.” Is that not true of Christians? Are we not obligated to be industrious? Can we as the servants of Christ be less? Solomon wrote, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29). We just want to stand before “the King.”
Dwight Fuqua
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN