Striving to Grow in Spiritual Diligence

By Suelin Novarro

As my seven-year-old daughter read the beloved story of the Three Little Pigs to me and her younger siblings one night, I found myself pondering how to nurture the virtue of diligence in my spiritual life. The three little pigs used different types of foundation, contrasting levels of effort, commitment, and resilience, that at the end yielded varying results with their houses when the big bad wolf came blowing. This served as a powerful reminder that my resilience and dedication to faith ultimately shapes the rewards I reap in my spiritual journey.

Merriam-Webster defines diligence as “steady, earnest, and energetic effort: devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking.” The etymology of “diligent” underscores that genuine devotion fosters energetic effort. The term was derived from the Latin verb diligere, meaning “to value or esteem highly” or “to love.” This suggests that we are more likely to be diligent about something we truly love.

While it may have been easier for the first two pigs to build their houses with straw or sticks from the story, it was the third pig’s choice of bricks that provided lasting strength. This analogy extends to my spiritual diligence as it involves creating a strong foundation through daily prayer, immersing myself in scripture, and trying to be an active member of my church community. The journey may be painstakingly long, sometimes monotonous, but at the end my spiritual home remains intact.

Sluggishness of mind and spirit is a pitfall one can easily fall into amid today’s culture of leisure and the antidote is diligence—an attitude of earnest effort that helps one to persevere despite distractions and challenges. This means that I may fall off track due to my human nature. With endless distractions at my fingertips—social media, binge-worthy shows, and the constant allure of a laid-back lifestyle—it is so easy to succumb to a mindset of complacency.

When I fall short, it is my willingness to rise again that truly matters. Each time I choose to recommit myself, I build resilience and deepen my understanding of what it means to be diligent. This process is by no way about perfection; it is about progress. The small, consistent efforts made in my spiritual life accumulate over time, leading to profound transformation. I believe the same can happen for you.

The enemy sometimes plants the idea in our minds that there must be an easier way which promises quick results without effort. I am here to assure you that there is no quick fix to growing your spiritual diligence. Building spiritual habits takes time and intentionality. Take comfort in knowing that while there are no quick fixes to deepening your spiritual lives, each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall growth and understanding.

To cultivate diligence in your spiritual journey, begin by setting clear intentions and goals. Just as in school or work, outline your goals and objectives to draw closer to God. Start small—begin each day with prayer by using guided resources, read scripture daily, attend weekend Mass, and spend time in adoration. Prioritise these commitments in your schedule, making room for them amid life’s demands. Have a backup plan for emergencies, familiarise yourself with Mass times near to work, and consider using lunch breaks for adoration.

Remember, spiritual diligence is not about perfection but about a continuous, dedicated effort to draw closer to the one you love above all, that is God. Like the Three Little Pigs’ choice of building materials, cultivating diligence in your spiritual life is essential in building a strong foundation of faith.

I encourage you to reflect on these questions in the silence of your heart:

1. What is my spiritual home made of—straw, sticks, or bricks?
2. How can hard work and determination make a difference in my life?
3. In what ways can I diligently pursue God’s call?

Colossians 3:23-24 “ Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, working for the Lord, and not humans. You well know that the Lord will reward you with the inheritance.”