Isaiah 50:7 “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.
“Consistent action creates consistent results.”— Rachel Nixon.
Jesus was consistent in His teachings, insistent in His instructions and persistent in His actions. Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51b). Emotional entanglements or worldly enticements could not falter His resolution and mission on earth. Hence Jesus could fulfill His purpose on earth and redeemed the world. The journey to the cross was the most compelling moment for Jesus to break ‘the law of consistency’, yet, it was his persistence that brought permanent redemption to humanity.
Consistency is a marriage covenant between words and actions. Our proclamations that are backed by actions become the bricks that build respect and reliability. “Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them.” – Roy T Bennett. Jesus remained consistent until He shed His last drop of blood on the cross. When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. (1 Peter 2:23). The confidence in a leader rests on His consistency!
Paul the Apostle followed the footsteps of Jesus in suffering for the sake of the Gospel. It was Paul’s consistency that made him a missionary giant, an astounding apologist and an articulate author of 1/3rd of the New Testament! “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson.
Success and greatness are the results of consistency:
- Stoned: Paul remained steadfast even when he was stoned. Paul was stoned at Lystra (Modern day Turkey) for preaching the goodnews of salvation to the people (Acts 14:19). The persecutors thought he was dead and dragged him out of the city thinking he was dead. But Paul got up and went on to the next city to preach! Consistency cannot be stoned to death.
- Slandered: Paul remained gentle and persistent even when he was slandered. When we are slandered, we answer kindly (1 Corinthians 4:13). Slurs, false FaceBook posts or gossip coffee groups could not stop Paul. Paul shook off the scum and continued spreading the Gospel. Wind talkers, vain rumors or false reports spread by evil doers could not stop Paul and should not impede our speed. Slander cannot snuff the consistent.
- Shipwrecked: Paul experienced shipwrecks three times but suffering did not stop him from sailing. We have a misconception that when we set sail to accomplish the will of God, we should be warmly welcomed by everybody. We expect doors to open automatically and everyone to love and accept us. Unforeseen suffering is a threat to consistency. Never give up on your God given mission in the midst of struggles. God honors the consistent who are persistent through suffering, stigma or shipwreck. Consistency cannot be shipwrecked.
CONSISTENCY MATTERS! Small disciplines repeated consistently everyday yield great rewards.
2 Chronicles 15:7 Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Prayer: Jesus please hold my hand and help me to be disciplined and consistent. Consistency in prayer, praise, reading, reflecting, exercising and dieting everyday will morph me towards the destiny that You have for me. Amen.
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