To Be Kept On!

For some their faith, love for others, reverence for God, submission to His Will, etc., are as if they were attached to an on/off switch or a dimmer switch. Though in reality it may be a continuing challenge for all of us to maintain consistent steadfastness in these areas, for some the truth is the desire is not always there. Thus their life is marked by a going in and out of a proper relationship with God. Such inconsistency creates room for a wide variation in life choices and direction. It also causes the world to question what Christianity is all about. Neither our relationship with God nor our religion are to be turned on and off. To do this "cuts off" or diminishes the power God desires to provide for energizing our life as we go through our day-to-day activities. The desire for such to be properly maintained is to be continually left on!

Solomon exhorted. . .
"Blessed is the one who FEARS THE LORD ALWAYS, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." ( Proverbs 28:14 ESV)

"ALWAYS!" Not just an hour or two or three each week. Not just one day a week! Not just when it is convenient! Not just when there isn't something else we'd rather do! Not just when we are seeking God to provide some specific blessing. The true blessing comes to those who seek to ALWAYS have due reverence for His Sovereign Authority. Such consistency will maintain the relationship that provides the greatest life blessings we could imagine.

Also in Proverbs we read. . .
"(17) Let not your heart envy sinners, but CONTINUE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAY. (18) Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." ( Proverbs 23:17-18 ESV)

Maintaining the relationship assures the glorious future God has in mind for us. The hope He extends is a steadfast hope. We can count on the fulfillment of His promises. Keeping a proper connection with Him keeps the hope from being "cut off."

Even Paul addressed consistency of focus to those at Galatia when he wrote. . .
"It is ALWAYS GOOD TO BE MADE MUCH OF FOR A GOOD PURPOSE, and not only when I am present with you," ( Galatians 4:18 ESV)

The New King James Version reads: "But it is good to be ZEALOUS IN A GOOD THING ALWAYS, and not only when I am present with you."

A steadfast focus on our faith, love for others, reverence for God, submission to His Will, etc., is most definitely a "good thing" and will make a tremendous difference in our life. May we ALWAYS seek to maintain a zealousness for a right relationship with God and a desire to live in accordance with His Will on a daily basis. Leaving it on will help us to keep on keeping on even in the midst of life's challenges.

Have a great day CONTINUALLY CONNECTED WITH AND EMPOWERED BY GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Consistency