Consistency is vitally important in the Christian life. As believers, we are called to steadfastly pursue Christlikeness and faithfully obey God’s Word. Though we stumble and fall at times, we must continually realign our lives to God’s standards for holiness, purity, love, and righteousness.
The Bible emphasizes the need for steadfast devotion and unwavering commitment to following Jesus. Scriptures encourage us to persevere in godliness despite trials or temptations (James 1:2-4), to stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 15:58), and to continually set our minds on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
Here are some key reasons why consistency matters in the Christian walk:
It shows the genuineness of our faith
Persevering in godliness demonstrates the authenticity of our conversion and commitment to Christ. Jesus said that true disciples abide in His word (John 8:31) and that only those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). Inconsistency can reflect a heart that is not fully devoted to God.
As James notes, faith without works is useless (James 2:14-26). A life characterized by ongoing sin and lack of spiritual fruit calls into question whether someone’s faith is living and active. Consistency in Christian obedience is a marker of genuine saving faith.
It leads to spiritual maturity
A steady, consistent walk with Christ is how believers mature in godliness and Christian character. Spiritual growth does not happen overnight – it requires diligently applying God’s Word over the course of our lives.
We must train consistently in godliness just like an athlete trains to excel in their sport (1 Timothy 4:7). This takes time, commitment and perseverance. Inconsistency leads to stagnation, while steadfast pursuit of Christ leads to sanctification.
It produces the fruit of the Spirit
As we regularly abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit develops His fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues grow through consistent godly living.
A life of ongoing sin will stunt spiritual fruit, while a persistent walk with Christ nourishes it. Just as fruit takes time to ripen on a tree, the Spirit’s fruit matures through steady obedience over the long haul.
It leads to eternal rewards
At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be rewarded for faithful service and obedience to Jesus (Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Those who endure hardship and remain consistent even under trial will receive the crown of life (James 1:12).
Heavenly rewards are directly tied to the steadfastness and consistency of our earthly walk. Paul says he disciplined and trained himself like an athlete to win an imperishable prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Our eternal blessings will reflect our devotion to Christ here on earth.
It brings glory to God
A life characterized by steadfast godly living points others to the transforming power of the Gospel. It shows that God can enable fallible people to pursue holiness. By contrast, inconsistency and habitual sin brings dishonor to God.
Jesus told His disciples to let their light shine so that people would see their good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Persisting in godly living is critical to reflecting Christ’s light to the world around us day after day.
It enables us to resist temptation
When we are inconsistent in applying God’s Word, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. But as we steadily walk with Christ each day, we cultivate spiritual strength and discernment to reject temptation.
We must put on the full armor of God daily in order to stand firm when evil comes (Ephesians 6:10-18). Only consistent training in godliness and Scripture will enable us to discern and extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
It keeps us from wandering
Human beings tend to be prone to wandering from the truth. The author of Hebrews warns believers to pay close attention so that they do not drift away (Hebrews 2:1). A consistent walk with Christ is essential to remaining on the narrow way.
It is easy to slowly meander in the wrong direction if we are not intentionally pursuing Christ day in and day out. Consistency keeps us anchored to Jesus amidst life’s currents and tides. It prevents gradual spiritual decline.
It contributes to assurance of salvation
While true believers stumble at times, a consistent walk with Christ provides assurance that we belong to Him. The more we see the genuine fruit of salvation in our lives, the more confident we can be in God’s grace at work within us.
The Apostle John wrote his first epistle so that believers could know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). One key evidence is walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). Consistency confirms we are in Christ.
It brings stability to the church
When Christians are marked by steadfast obedience to Christ, it promotes unity, maturity and stability in the church. Believers encourage one another and build each other up in the faith.
By contrast, inconsistency breeds instability, conflict and disunity. Paul urged the Corinthians to be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Consistency has a unifying effect.
It gives weight to our witness
When believers live inconsistent lives, it undermines our witness to unbelievers. Why should others be persuaded to follow Jesus if His followers are characterized by the same behavior as the world?
But consistent godly living gives credibility to our testimony. People notice when someone exhibits love, joy and righteousness consistently even in difficult circumstances. It makes others curious about the Gospel.
It enables us to finish the race
The Christian life is not a sprint – it is a marathon. We must steadfastly follow Christ day after day, year after year, all the way through the finish line. Inconsistency leads many to drop out early.
But by God’s grace, we can persist through every trial and temptation, continually realigning our lives to His call. We can finish the race as Paul did (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Consistency keeps us going to the end.
Clearly, consistency in pursuing Christ is vital. When our walk with God is intermittent or sporadic, it stunts our spiritual growth. But a steady, unwavering pursuit of Christ leads to godly maturity and produces abundant Kingdom fruit.
Of course, no one will obtain sinless perfection in this life. Even mature Christians stumble and require God’s grace and forgiveness. But at the same time, followers of Jesus should exhibit a consistent trajectory towards Christlikeness and holiness by God’s power.
Here are some ways to promote greater consistency in the Christian life:
Study God’s Word daily
Regular Scripture reading is essential to renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word enables us to follow Christ faithfully. Set aside consistent time to read the Bible and soak in its truths.
Pray daily
Consistent prayer is vital to drawing strength from God and walking in His will. Set aside time each morning to pray and surrender the day’s decisions to the Lord. Come before God in prayer constantly with thanksgiving and requests (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Fellowship regularly with other believers
We need Christian community and accountability to spur one another to faithfulness. Go to church consistently, join a small group, find a prayer partner, or have occasional fellowships. Sporadic church attendance leads to inconsistency. Stay connected!
Serve consistently in the Body of Christ
Using our gifts to serve others helps keep our focus on Christ. Make serving a regular habit rather than sporadic volunteerism. Discover your spiritual gifts and talents and use them to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
Give regularly
Financial giving should be part of our worship as believers. Set aside a portion of income consistently to give at church services each Sunday. Generous and cheerful giving demonstrates devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Share the Gospel
Telling others about Christ should flow naturally from our lives. Look consistently for opportunities to have Gospel conversations. Be prepared to give the reason for your hope all the time (1 Peter 3:15).
Pursue holiness
Strive to live a life characterized by sexual purity, honesty, Integrity, and avoid harmful sins. Avoid compromising situations. Be ruthless about sin. Confess it quickly and turn from it (1 John 1:9).
Practice spiritual disciplines
Things like prayer, fasting, silence, solitude, and Scripture meditation can train us in godliness. Commit to practice these disciplines regularly to deepen your walk with Christ.
Devote time to serving your family
For those who are married or have kids, be diligent to serve those entrusted to your care. Show them Christlike love consistently through patient instruction and quality time.
Be active in your community
Look for regular ways to do good works in your neighborhood, bless others and build relationships. Represent Christ consistently outside the four walls of a church.
Pursue accountability
Ask a spiritually mature believer to hold you accountable in your walk. Be honest about struggles and submit to godly counsel. Accountability promotes consistency.
While these steps encourage consistency, our hope is ultimately in Christ. We must rely on His power at work within us (Philippians 2:13). It is not about willpower but His grace sustaining us. Stay connected to the Vine and He will fruitful consistency (John 15:5).
When we stumble – and we will – the path back is through repentance and belief in the Gospel. Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin when we confess it (1 John 1:9). We recalibrate our lives to Him and move forward in renewed dependence on the Spirit.
By God’s grace, may we walk worthy of our calling with true gospel humility. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, yielding daily to His Lordship. And may we spur one another on to steadfastness for the glory of God.