Diligence toward the Lord and spiritual things

I have a neighbour next door who is very diligent at gardening. I'm sure that she enjoyes it emensly, but yesterday she was out there even in the wind toiling away. I happend to observe her from the children's bedroom. It was really impressive, but she had no idea I was watching her. Also a few months ago I went to the gym to take up a free trial they were giving. One of the ladies who runs "Yummy Mummy" class has such muscles that it takes years to build them up. Very impressive! in the same manner it takes great dedication to maintain a beautiful garden just as well as impressive muscles. What about us Christians? Here is what John Owen says: "Do we make religion our chief concern in life? With many of us, everything else is put before the one essential thing - our spiritual welfare. If we are continually occupied with the affairs of the world and only just make time now and then to consider spiritual realities, it is a sure sign that our spiritual life is wasting away" (p.83) He also expands that if have not invested into our spiritual life before how can we expect to be spiritual and bear fruit in an old age?
That thought should encourage us to press on because our dilligence not only helps us to be spiritual and bear fruit for the Lord and His glory, but also is a huge witness to non-believers. Even if they don't observe us just like I did with my neighbout, still they will be challenged and touched in one way or the other.
May the Lord help us to be everything that He purposed in His good plan for us!!!
Amen.