CONSISTENCY

As a man, I think like a man with a finite mind and body. Both are ever changing and adjusting to the environments around me. If I am in a cold climate then my body without thought begins to react by adjusting the blood flow to my extremities and causing my entire body to shiver and shake causing my muscles to move and raise my body’s core temperature. My mind soon leaves whatever task is at hand and begins to succumb to the external forces rendered on my body and thoughts of warmth and how to obtain it are now at the forefront of my mind. So finite am I that now both mind and body are changing and losing all thoughts of my surroundings and anything prior happening all due to the change of the temperature.  This is what naturally takes place to the inexperienced and untrained mind and body. However, if I have prepared myself for such a climate then I am clothed in a way that allows my body to stay comfortable and my mind stays to the task at hand without being overcome by the needs and sensations of a body that is in survival mode.  We all have things we prepare for in life. Some are as simple as Putting fuel in your car for tomorrows drive or as complicated as predicting the needs of an entire family for years to come but we all in some way learn the ability to prepare. Even the ant prepares for the changing of the seasons. 

Being prepared is a essential tool in our roles as leaders.  I say this because as a man God has ordained you to be a leader.  One of the greatest qualities of a leader is consistency. It is the difference in leading and just being out for a lonely stroll. No one wants to follow someone who is up today and down tomorrow, someone who changes by the minute or can’t seem to find balance in anything they do. If you are complete chaos your surroundings become complete chaos. If you live in a world of indecision you will produce confusion and no one can use that. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.  

 While there are many things that we look to God for we often overlook the one example that He has given us throughout eternity that has the power to grow you faster and set you on a solid foundation quicker than anything and that is consistency. As I look over the scriptures one of the most powerful descriptions of God that stands out over and over again is that He is unchanging. You say how it that possible? To start with the scriptures tell us that, God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent…. (Numbers 23:19).  In this we see an example of Gods consistency. If someone is always truthful they have nothing to hide and no reason for frustration or confusion in their decision making. The truth is always dependable. It will do what it says it will and be where it says it will. No matter what changes around it the truth is the truth. Another scripture example is Malachi 3:6, For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. In this scripture we read a direct statement from God about His own character. He plainly states that He does not change. In this passage it’s not that God is reminding himself of this fact but more that He is reminding the reader He is holding fast to His promise to multiply the seed of the lineage of Abraham thru which they came or else this could have a different outcome for eternity.  This again is God showing us an example of His consistency. 

Why is this important? If you are to be the rock that some else clings to then you must always be on the ground. Rocks are not found gracefully floating around 2 feet off the ground they are found on the ground.  It is important as a Christian and a leader that you are grounded. When people are troubled or looking for advice they don’t want to hear from the flake of the month club.  They need someone who is stable and consistent in their actions.  As Christians we carry a target on our backs that the rest of the world is eyeing constantly. We say that we serve God who is the same always and HE is, but if you represent Him to the world as an emotional cannon waiting to blast everyone who walks by. Who wants to have that in their life?    Let’s face it; we don’t need any more help in the fruit department. 

We live in a world that is constantly changing around us. It doesn’t wait to see if you like it or not. It doesn’t care if you like it or not. It changes with or without you. But God can always be found doing exactly what He said He would do. His word doesn’t change. His promises do not change. He is consistent in His love for you. Consistent in all He says and does. Yes there are things that we think should be this way or that way based on our finite view points of our problem of the day but that still doesn’t change God.   If we are to be light to the world we must learn to be consistent. Constant, steadfast and unmovable earth moving men of God, cornerstones of the community, men of valor, Godly husbands, Godly fathers, Godly teachers, Godly uncles, and Godly neighbors. These are the men that will change the shape of the world as we know it. Not the move of the moment that is over before it starts. Being a pillar of your church or community is not done by one dramatic move of emotional adrenalin. It’s being where you are suppose to be and doing what you are suppose to be doing time after time and week after week and year after year. It’s the foundation that will hold all things, Consistency.  

As Dads, it is important that our families see us this way. Their emotional security is based upon how they see us. If they view us as flaky and shaky then they learn to accept flaky and shaky. (Not what I want my children accepting) If they see strong and steadfast then they refuse anything less because it’s not what they are used to having. Gentlemen if you are going to spoil your children do it where it counts. Your daughter needs to see that she is the apple of your eye consistently. Not just when your upset at her other siblings! Now she thinks she has to accept less and only get the best when someone else fails what kind of example is that? Your wife needs to see that she is your queen constantly. Not just when you are in the mood sir; But in all things that you do for her. It’s how you treat her that your daughter accepts how she will be treated and how your son learns to treat his wife.  It’s the day in and day out routine that you choose to do without thought that they are looking to see what they should do. If you are a constant victim then most likely your children will be victims.  We are the examples, we point the way in which they search for answers. If we are constantly struggling with whom we are and what we want what does that tell our children.  You sir are the foundation upon which God has ordained the leadership of a generation of men and women who are coming behind you.  I know some may be thinking that I just turned up the pressure and I say good I hope I have.  I’m no longer taking a back seat to the emotional fruitcakes that say they represent us as Christians’, Today I choose to lead, consistently!!!!!!