June 22 – “ . . . and Don’t Forget Your Clean Hankie!”

For the next few days, we will dissect a string of instructions that follow on the heels of the admonition of the last two days’ investigation . . . “in honor, prefer one another.”

Remember those parental indoctrinations? “NO chewing gum in bed! Brush your teeth. Don’t forget to floss! Make sure your face is clean! Do you have a clean hankie under your pillow?”

This next passage in Romans reads like that . . .

vs 10)Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
vs 11) not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
vs. 12) rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
vs. 13) contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Four verses . . . ten reminders. Let’s look today at verse 11 . . . “not lagging behind in diligence.”

We have said that we would relate these passages to the Beatitudes . . . which one does this call to mind? How about, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” We have a special regard in life for those who simply “get the job done,” whether it’s keeping the house tidy and the meals succulent and on time; keeping steady at work, even without much recognition; raising the children in the fear of the Lord and the admonition and nurture He prescribes; even those who manage to appear in public with a modicum of well-coifed, neatly dressed style can attract a degree of respect.

It is time for a great big HOW MUCH MORE! How much MORE those who diligently seek the Lord . . . like you, dear Sisters. HOW MUCH MORE those who will not let the day close without having worshiped, enjoyed, entreated, and obeyed the God Who loves us.

DILIGENCE . . . it’s not just for the butcher, baker and candlestick maker. It’s for the modern monastic in search of the nearness of God.


"Every Day, Every Day, Year In, Year Out"
photo by Betty