The General Principles Of Financial Prosperity—Part 2: Diligence And Faithfulness

TEXT: PROV. 6:9-11; 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (KJV)

In addition to some general principles discussed previously, diligence and faithfulness must also be given adequate attention. The demand of the principle of ‘diligence’ is that a man who desires to succeed financially must by all means resist the followings:

1.        Idleness. A diligent man is not an idle man. You cannot be idle and be considered diligent, and you cannot be considered diligent and be idle.

2.        Laziness. A diligent man is not a lazy man. Laziness kills productivity in career pursuit, in academics, in business, at work, even in ministry.

3.        Mismanagement. There are times of plenty and there are times of scarcity. If you manage well, you will live well whether in plenty or in scarcity

‘Faithfulness’ as another general principle of financial prosperity requires that a man be faithful in discharging his duties at work, in business, to his boss, to his clients/customers, and to God. Luke 16:10, 12; 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (KJV)

An employee who faithfully discharges his/her duties at work stands a better chance for promotion than otherwise. Business man/woman who does his/her business and relates with the clients/customers in absolute faithfulness will also have a better opportunity of having them return and will even attract more. The “general principle of faithfulness” also requires that we keep to our promises at all costs, in relation to loans, credit facilities, or delivering of goods and services.

God is able, willing and ready to bless us financially but not without our co-operation. If we can do our parts in relation to diligence and faithfulness in addition to other principles discussed in this unit, we will discover a positive shift in our lives and finances.

KEY POINT:

 i.      Diligence is not an option to a man who wants to stand out among his equals; it is a rule

ii.      A diligent man does not just do his job; but does it well. Poor performance is also a performance, but it cannot earn a man a place of honor in life.