Diligence in a Leader

I just ran across this verse in Proverbs 12:24: “The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy [man] will be put to forced labor.”  I might not have noticed it except that in the New International Version it says it like this: “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.”  According to Matthew Henry, the lazy man is one who fails to keep his promises.  This verse seems to say that God recognizes the faithful worker and rewards him with responsibility and authority.  This principle is reiterated in Jesus’ parable of the talents: the one who was faithful with little was given more authority.

That brings to mind Proverbs 6:6-8 which points us to the example of the ant.  “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”  The wise woman takes care of her responsibilities, without someone checking up on her every minute.  That is a wonderful quality for anyone to have, as long as what you are doing is in accordance with those you serve.

If you are a leader, a leader-in-training, or simply a woman involved in women’s ministry, you should take note of these scriptures.  Are you one who works hard and responsibly, doing what you say you will do diligently?  Are you faithful, whether someone is overseeing you or not?  If so, you have the makings of a leader!