Consistency

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

There is power in repetition. This is why being intentional about what we consistently do is very important. Sometimes, we don’t even realise how we unconsciously form habits due to patterns we keep repeating.

Consistency is an attribute that greatly serves for good but can also serve for bad. One of the consequences of the Fall is the innate tendency we have to do evil rather than good. That is why bad habits tend to stick to us faster than good ones, and it is easier to slip into sin than to remain steadfast in holiness.

God is the only one who is perfectly and consistently good. So, it is his life and nature coming into our recreated spirits at salvation that makes us capable of holiness and God-likeness. But it takes exercise to strengthen and manifest this new nature in increasing measure.

As Christians, our daily habits form who we become, and — if we allow them — bad habits will compromise our quality of life. Yet, the challenge with establishing the right habits is consistency. We easily write them down and may even start doing them, but find it very difficult to continue when it is no longer convenient. Consistency is the ability to remain steadfast regardless of the changes that may occur.

The principle of consistency works for everyone and for everything, regardless of how big or small the action is. Even the most fundamental of the activities in life, like walking and talking, are learnt through consistency.

Child of God, inside you resides the strength for consistency. So, regardless of how many times you've failed or forgotten to take action, never stop believing that you can and will break through!

Remember, the Spirit of God, who is the 'Spirit' of discipline and self-control, is in you. So, bad habits cannot overpower you, and acquiring new and better ones cannot be too difficult. All that's required is that we keep trying until we become transformed. For in consistency—constant repetition—lies the power to create the changes we all desire to see.

Action Step: Write down the habits you desire to cultivate and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in building a practical and sustainable accountability system.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, open my ears to hear the Holy Spirit concerning my new habits, and strengthen me to respond promptly. In Jesus' name. Amen.