by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Do you ever suffer with being wishy-washy, inconsistent in accomplishing goals, or procrastinate like Scarlett O'Hara?
I often struggle with these ailments and frustration follows
because of uncompleted tasks.
When I prayed about my dilemma, I heard the Holy Spirit say,
"Consistency is the key."
Consistency is the key. What does that mean, Lord?
I examined my habits and realized I wasn’t disciplined and
consistent in anything I was doing.
Consistency and diligence can be twin characteristics. According
to the dictionary, consistency is harmony or conduct of practice with
profession[1] and the
word diligence is defined as steady, earnest and energetic effort:
persevering application [2].
My loving heavenly Father was telling me that achievement depended
on steadfastness in whatever goal is being pursued.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV).
Paul lived a life of consistent discipline. Even when he was
terrorizing Christians, he never wavered from his goal. His misplaced passion
pushed him toward what he thought was a defense of God. After encountering
Christ, that same passion was now guided in the right direction. When he was
persecuted, he didn’t give in. He didn’t forget the task God had laid upon his
shoulders and the world at that time was turned upside down because of his
influence. Diligence in his work caused him to write most of the New Testament
and his words are still impacting us today.
He wrote from prison. Chains and bonds didn’t stop him. He
continued to travel. Shipwrecks and storms didn’t stop him. He was told to keep
quiet. Threats didn’t stop him.
He pushed through the hardships of life and pressed toward
the prize of the high calling of Christ (Philippians 3:14).
We are all given a high calling from Christ. We are not the
Paul’s and Peter’s but we do have a sphere of influence. What we do in our
personal lives will spill over into relationships. Constant faithfulness in
following Christ and His Words will determine how powerful that impression will
be.
Jesus Our Example
The most consistent person who ever lived was Jesus. We have
no better example of life and discipline. When people were pulling him in every
direction, He still took the time to spend with His Father because it was the
most important thing in His life—even when it meant losing sleep and praying
all night (Luke 6:12).
If consistency and diligence reign, it’s easier to put
priorities in order. When Christ is the most important person in our lives, we
can hear what He is saying. Consistency drowns out distractions, strengthens
resolve against attacks, and builds new habits that can last a lifetime.
The power of consistency has shown me the key to success,
and a more rewarded life has been my prize. I can't say I follow this regimen
perfectly, but I learned a valuable lesson when the Lord showed me that
consistency is the key.
How do you handle struggles with consistency? Join the
conversation and share your thoughts.
This article is an excerpt from the Summer 2019 issue of Refresh
Magazine published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. You can subscribe to this
publication for free.
Barbara , a great word🥰
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteI struggle with procrastination, and you've given me a new perspective on how to view it and overcome it. Thank you. I see you achieved your Power Speaker award from AWSA. That's great! You didn't procrastinate getting that done.
ReplyDeleteCompleting that course was something I was determined to do, and I did have to push myself. But I am glad I did and it gave me more confidence (that I still need to work on!) Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteI appreciated your message, Barbara. Like you (and many of us), I struggle with inconsistency, especially in writing. If I allow the demands of daily life to interfere with my time writing, I'm not fulfilling my commitment to write for His glory. Thank you for sharing Paul's example. He carried on, no matter what tried to interfere.
ReplyDeleteYes, Katherine, consistency in writing is a struggle for me too. We are told it's best to work on a schedule, but I can't seem to always stay on a regular one. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteWhat a great reminder using Paul's example! Thank you for reminding me that consistency and steadfastness honors Jesus, and He left us the perfect pattern to follow!
ReplyDeleteOur great biblical examples, Paul and Jesus, show us how to remain steadfast even in difficult times. Staying in the Word of God will strengthen us to do the Lord's will. Thanks for reminding us thst consistency does honor Jesus. Blessings!
DeleteThanks Barbara for the reminders and encouragement. I especially appreciated your citing the apostle Paul's words that we work heartily f(diligently and consistently) for the Lord, not for recognition from people.
ReplyDeleteWorking for the Lord does help us remain focused on our goals instead of what others think about us. Paul sure showed us how that honors Christ. Thanks for sharing, Marilyn. Blessings!
DeleteGood habits are so easy to break while bad ones are so easy to keep. So thankful for God's promise, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." May He help me be consistent in my walk.
ReplyDeleteYes, unfortunately, those bad habits are easier to keep. I follow you in thankfulness for God continuing to work in us. Thanks for sharing. Debbie. Blessings!
DeleteThank you for reminding about consistency in my faith. This year, I’m working on more consistency in my prayer life.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Yvonne, I need to be more consistent in that area too. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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