Rise Up, Men of God: The Call to Diligence in Service and Honor of the Almighty

Austin Gardner • April 10, 2023

we have a profound responsibility to lead with integrity, dedication, and unwavering faith

II Chronicles 29:11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.


This word to the men of God of old still applies to us today. We should not be negligent in the work we have been called to do. Discipleship and world evangelism are our ministry. We need to be careful that we are not negligent or, as the word means in the Hebrew, to deceive or mislead as though we were doing it as we should when we aren’t. God chose us to stand before Him and to serve or minister unto Him. I question just how diligent or honest the church of Jesus Christ and her leaders have been in the great responsibility that was placed on us as ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ.


Serving as pastors, ministers, missionaries, and other spiritual leaders, men of God, we have a profound responsibility to lead with integrity, dedication, and unwavering faith. As leaders, role models, and spiritual guides, men of God are called to uphold the highest standards of diligence in their service to God and in honoring His name. In a world where distractions, temptations, and challenges abound, the call to diligence in serving God and honoring Him is more crucial than ever. It is a call that requires vigilance, commitment, and a deep-rooted reverence for the Almighty God.


Diligence in serving God demands a wholehearted pursuit of His will and purpose. It requires men of God to immerse themselves in prayer, the study of Scripture, and intimate fellowship with God. Diligence means intentionally seeking God’s guidance and following His commands, even when faced with difficulties or uncertainties. It means constantly striving to grow in spiritual maturity and wisdom and being willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Diligence also involves:


  • Being diligent in caring for God’s people.
  • Leading them with love, compassion, and humility.
  • Being a source of encouragement, guidance, and support.


Besides service, diligence in honoring God requires men of God to live lives that reflect His character and values. It means walking in holiness, purity, and righteousness and being an example of godliness to those around them. Honoring God means using their words, actions, and attitudes to glorify Him and avoiding anything that would bring dishonor to His name. It involves being diligent in personal holiness, accountability, and self-examination and continually striving to align their lives with the teachings of Scripture.


Diligence in service and honor of God demands men of God to resist the allurements of the world and the enemy. It requires them to guard against complacency, compromise, and spiritual lethargy. It means being vigilant against the temptations of materialism, power, and pride, which can divert their attention from their divine calling. Diligence requires men of God to be watchful against false teachings, heresies, and anything that distorts the truth of God’s Word. It demands proactively defending the faith and standing firm in the face of opposition, persecution, or adversity.


The call to diligence in service and honor of God is difficult. It demands discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice. Diligence requires men of God to renew their commitment to God constantly and be willing to grow and improve their service continually. It calls for humility as they acknowledge their weaknesses and dependence on God’s grace. Diligence demands courage as they stand for truth in a world that often opposes it. It requires unwavering faith, as they trust in God’s promises and rely on His strength during trials.


The impact of diligent men of God who honor God is immeasurable. They become beacons of light in a dark world, leading others to Christ by their example. God’s men provide spiritual guidance, comfort, and direction to lost or hurting people. They inspire and equip others to live godly lives and positively affect their communities. Their diligence in service and honor of God sets a powerful precedent for future generations, leaving a lasting legacy of faithfulness and devotion to the Almighty.


In conclusion, the call to diligence in service and honor of God is a sacred responsibility that men of God cannot afford to take lightly. It demands their unwavering commitment, wholehearted pursuit, and stubborn determination. It is a call to rise above mediocrity, complacency, and compromise and to strive for excellence.


God, I do not want to be negligent but to accomplish your purposes in my life. I want to be your man. I want my life to be used by you. God, show me where you want me working and how. I know I am lazy and waste too much time. Help me know how to balance my work for you.

By Austin Gardner February 24, 2026
Biblical clarity for ministry leaders. Learn why internal alignment matters more than external success. 50+ years of ministry wisdom from Austin Gardner.
By Austin Gardner February 23, 2026
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit—but why? W. Austin Gardner explores the tension between bold faith and hidden pride in ministry leadership.
By Austin Gardner February 22, 2026
W. Austin Gardner explores the cautionary tale of Jehu in 2 Kings 10:31. Are you obeying with your whole heart, or just your hands? Discover the freedom of full surrender.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
Why did God clear Pharaoh's flies instantly but leave Austin Gardner's? Explore a powerful lesson on trust, leadership humility, and grace from 50 years in ministry.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
W. Austin Gardner reflects on the weight of leadership legacy and 1 Kings 22:52. Are your footsteps worth following? A biblical look at influence, character, and the power of example.
By Austin Gardner February 20, 2026
After 50+ years of ministry, W. Austin Gardner shares his shift from a culture of performance to a life of resting in grace. Discover the truth about identity in Christ.
By Austin Gardner February 19, 2026
Can everything change in a single day? W. Austin Gardner explores Joseph’s sudden restoration in Genesis 41:14 and why God’s timing is worth the wait.
By Austin Gardner February 18, 2026
Can you choose to forget the pain of the past? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 41:51 and Joseph’s decision to move from a place of wounding to a place of fruitfulness.
By Austin Gardner February 17, 2026
What happens when the past resurfaces? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 42, showing why character is built in the light and how to face old shadows with grace.
By Austin Gardner February 16, 2026
Stop the performance. W. Austin Gardner explores the high cost of pretending in ministry and how the "Big Leap of Faith" leads to true spiritual rest.