Ministering Principles

Ministering with Diligence

We can make a profound difference by ministering with diligence.

Using the examples of Christ and His disciples in the New Testament, we can learn how to develop Christlike attributes that can help us in our efforts to minister like the Savior.

Tychicus isn’t the most familiar name in the New Testament, but he was an example of ministering and serving with diligence. Although his service was at times in the background, his faithfulness made it possible for Paul to do his important work. Tychicus delivered letters to the Ephesian and Colossian Saints and comforted and encouraged them (see Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7–8). He traveled to different areas, such as Crete and Ephesus, to help with the work, freeing leaders like Titus and Timothy to assist Paul (see 2 Timothy 4:12). Paul called Tychicus “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21).

Diligence includes persistence, especially in the face of opposition. Our diligence helps the Lord know He can count on us because we won’t give up, even when things get hard. It seems that because of Tychicus’s diligence, Paul trusted him with some important assignments. The Lord has likewise given us some important assignments. Will we persist in our efforts to bless those whom He has asked us to minister to?

Developing a Heart of Diligence

There could be many reasons we face opposition when we work to minister to others. But the Lord trusts us to persist in our efforts to do our very best, even when it isn’t easy.

Here are some thoughts on how we can develop the Christlike attribute of diligence:

1. “When I find myself drawn away from my priesthood duties by other interests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: ‘Remember Him.’ The Lord is our perfect example of diligence.”¹

2. Remember that the Lord called leaders to help do His work. Ministering with diligence doesn’t mean that you have to carry on alone. Seek support from the Lord and your local leaders.

3. Pray for inspiration on how you can develop more diligence. Heavenly Father understands that the challenges of life mean that serving isn’t always easy, and He stands ready to help and inspire us.

4. Remember that the Lord loves effort and that learning to become more diligent isn’t done instantly. With practice and patience, your diligence will grow.

Ministering with Diligence

1. Being diligent doesn’t mean to persist in a way that makes people uncomfortable. Respect the wishes of those you minister to. Keep in mind that although few people like to be forced into interactions, nearly everyone wants more true friends in their lives.

2. Diligence includes showing initiative in your ministering rather than needing to be told what to do all the time.

3. Diligence includes small, sincere actions. Being diligent in ministering doesn’t need to be a grand gesture.

4. One of the best ways to minister diligently is to get to know those you minister to and ponder how you can address their needs. Ask, what would I appreciate help with if I were in the same place? Going through this process will help you relate to those you minister to and make your service more thoughtful and personal.

Discover More

• Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service isn’t just for missionaries! Look up chapter 6 on developing Christlike attributes, which includes diligence as a study topic. You’ll find thoughts, prophetic teachings, and scriptures you can study in your effort to become more diligent. Preach My Gospel is available in the Gospel Library.

• In the April 2020 general conference, Joy D. Jones, former Primary General President, shared what the prophet taught about effort (see “An Especially Noble Calling,” Liahona, May 2020, 16).

• You might want to share with the youth in your life this short video created from President Jones’s counsel: “Effort Brings Rewards,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media.

Note

1. Henry B. Eyring, “Act in All Diligence,” Liahona, May 2010, 62.