September 2

Be diligent. - 2 Peter 3:14.

THIS exhortation will apply not only to our spiritual engagements, but also to the duties of relative and secular life. Hear Solomon:-“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not forever; and doth the crown endure to every generation?” And says the apostle to the Romans, “Be not slothful in business.” And says he, better still, in his address to the Thessalonians, “When we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some among you which walk disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now, them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread.” If a man thinks he is called to give up his profession or his business, very well; but, while he remains in it, let him not be a mere blank. To how many is the Grand Husbandman continually saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Has no one hired you? Is there nothing for you to do? Seneca said he would rather be sick in bed than appear to be idle. To whom did God of old appear in a way of privilege and honour, that was not at the time actively engaged? Another being is more likely to appear to the disengaged and idle. As Watts says,-

“Satan finds some mischief still

For idle hands to do.”

David was loitering on the housetop instead of being at the head of his army, when he entered into temptation. There are dangers in business unquestionably, but there are greater dangers in solitude, unless we can leave Satan and our own hearts behind us. Cotton Mather therefore says, “I am always glad when I am fully employed, for when the enemy comes to me with his toys and temptations, then I say to him, I am not able to attend to thee now.” God never intended that any man in this world should live in a state of independence, if by independence we mean inaction and un-usefulness. If a man be free from the toils and cares of business, he is under the more obligation to glorify God and to serve his generation according to his will.

Wherefore, let us “be diligent that we may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.”