Consistency: Agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.
We live in a world that is always changing and with so much change, consistency often times falls to the wayside. It is always about bigger and better, but not as often about stability and lasting.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
How did Paul learn to be content in any and all situations, no matter how good or bad? It was by consistent faith. Had he lacked consistent faith, he would have jumped ship at the first sign of pain or frustration, or whenever his life was not going the way he would have liked it to go.
Waiting on God’s will can be a huge test, and ultimately, a marker of consistent faith.
Joseph waited for 13 years.
Abraham waited for 25 years.
Moses waited for 40 years.
Jesus waited for 30 years.
Job was consistent in his faith even while enduring the loss of his property and the deaths of all of his children, only to then be afflicted with painful sores that covered his entire body. But through it all, he remained faithful to God and His purpose.
Consistency breeds opportunity, respect, and value. We are honoring that which we are being consistent with.
“Ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results.”-David A Bednar
Are there things we could be more consistent with in our faith lives?
Maybe we could be God’s word more faithfully? Or perhaps we could be more intentional and loyal in our relationships? Or possibly being more diligent in prayer?
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (2 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)
Let us dissect.
Abounding: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity.
Steadfast: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
Immovable: not able to be moved.
Knowing: full awareness, absolutely certainty.
So, why do we struggle with staying consistent?
First, consistency does not come with immediate results, but we tend to give up when we do not see them. Consistency takes daily work and resolve.
Mozart was one of the most influential classical composers who have ever lived, but he worked at least ten years before he produced something that became popular. Mozart referred to this ten year period as the “ten years of silence.” It was an extended season of consistent practice, hard work, and little recognition.
We also lack the ability to see the bigger the picture. When we are too close to something, such as an idea, belief, person, or thing, we are unable to see the fullness of it. It takes a change in perspective to see all the dimensions.
This can take some time but in the meantime, we should be continually and consistently seeking God to adjust our perspective.
Another reason consistency can be difficult is because it can become boring. We live in a time where things are always changing and progressing; even cell phones are updated annually. We have grown so accustomed to change that we have forgotten the beauty of stability, patience, and consistency.
Lastly, we tend to forget what makes us passionate.
What made you choose this lifestyle?
Is it because God is faithful and we are excited about what He is doing in our lives? If we are burned out and passionless, we must get back to the source, the reason, and the original mission: love God and love others.
The two most important commandments, according to Jesus are: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV)
We can all afford to have a more consistent faith. I pray that each one of you reading this understands the importance of consistence in your faith, your relationships and your life; and that the Lord would grow us each in the areas we may be struggling.
“Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” -Voltaire
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