In the New Testament, the verb form of the word translated as “diligence” has the meaning, “to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words). It is often used to show the importance of, and the effort Christians should be prepared to put into certain things. In Ephesians 4:3 the NKJV reads, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The ASV translates it as “giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Christians should be prepared to work hard to be unified in a way that would please God. In 2 Timothy 2:15 the apostle Paul said, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Many people seem to place no importance on being able to handle God’s word correctly. Paul says that not putting in the effort to be able to handle God’s word correctly will leave us “ashamed” before God. In Hebrews chapter 3 we read how the Israelites were unable to enter the land of Canaan, which was a symbol of heaven. “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” (vs 11). We are warned (vs 12) to learn from their example. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” In Hebrews 4:11 the writer tells us that avoiding the fate of the Israelites will take work. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” In 2 Peter 1:5-7 Peter tells us that we must put in the work to grow as Christians, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” Peter emphasises his point in verse 10, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” Being a Christian requires work, but the reward is well worth it. “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14).