Consistency Is The Key!

Now that we’re really into the heart of spring, the neighbors are all out working on their lawns cutting, trimming, weeding, and planting.  I too have been out doing my share of yard work (that is, in between all the rain!). And, I don’t really mind doing some yard work. After all, I do like the end result of seeing a freshly mowed lawn or a newly planted flowerbed.  The only problem is much of the work has to be done again and again throughout the spring and summer.  Except for the planting of the flowers, the lawn will need to be mowed just about every week, the bushes will continually need to be trimmed, and the weeds will continue to grow and need to be pulled out. But, I have found, as you may have as well, that the key to maintaining one’s yard is consistency. By maintaining a consistent schedule of cutting and trimming, etc. the yard is kept from becoming an unmanageable jungle. 

I don't think I'll ever get my lawn to look like this!

And, such is the case with most areas of life.  Consistency is the key to maintaining a healthy body—i.e. a consistent exercise routine and diet. Consistency is the key to keeping one’s house clean. Consistency is the key to maintaining good grades in school. Consistency is key to maintaining a well-functioning car.  Without consistency most of areas of life get out of control, become quite unmanageable, and even begin to break down. 

Most importantly, however, consistency is the key to maintaining a vibrant spiritual life. Sometimes we wonder how it was that the early believers were so vibrant in their newfound faith. Well, in the book of Acts we read that those early believers, “…devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 46-47 – NIV)

Notice that they “devoted themselves” and they “continued to meet together.”  That is, there was consistency in what they did. It wasn’t hit or miss or just when they felt like it or just when they had time. It was part of their regular routine to receive teaching, to fellowship, to pray, to worship, etc.  Consistency was the key to experiencing all that God had for them. 

If you’re like me, you want to have a nice looking yard or clean house or properly functioning body—all of which takes consistency. Most of all, however, let’s not neglect the importance of a vibrant spiritual life.  Thus, I want to encourage us today to be people of consistency when it comes to our spiritual lives—i.e. consistently reading the Word, praying, attending worship, gathering with the believers, etc.  Let’s build strong routines that will strengthen our walk with Christ and thus help us become all God would have us to be.

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris