Consistency is basically defined as carefully sticking with what you believe both in word and deed. No matter the profession, sport, or trade, consistency usually demonstrates mastery over a particular practice. Even though consistency is many times looked at as an admirable trait, an important question must be asked. In the areas of religion, philosophy, and spirituality, is consistency always a good thing? I believe the answer to this is no. I, for one, am glad that most who claim to be spiritual are not consistent. Let me briefly explain.
Although there is much to be said in this area, for sake of time let us look at those who fall under the category of spiritual relativism. There are many who would say that there is no such thing as absolute truth. They would say that spiritually speaking everything is relative. They would also say that nothing can be known with certainty, and meaning is up to the individual. Those falling under this loosely defined category would most likely say that experience is the best way to determine truth, and knowledge is trumped by one’s personal experiences. With regards to Heaven and eternity, they would say that all roads lead to the same place and that many different beliefs, regardless of contradictions all basically mean the same thing.
What if those who hold to spiritual relativism decided to express their philosophical and spiritual beliefs consistently in their day-to-day lives? If this happened, it would actually lead to the world being a much more dangerous place. Before you say this is ridiculous, let’s say I believe there are no absolutes. Let’s say I think I can create reality any way I want. One morning it occurs to me that I have not been consistent with my beliefs in every area of my life. So I pledge to practice consistent relativism throughout my days from that point forward. So while driving to work, I am emotionally moved to drive on the opposite side of the road.and despite the obvious consequences I obey my feelings. After causing several accidents, I decide to continue practicing consistency in my belief that all roads lead to the same place by driving in the opposite direction of my job, blindly hoping that I will eventually end up at my place of employment. After driving for hours, I’m finally forced to put my spiritual beliefs aside for a time, turning on my Garmin to prevent getting fired for missing a full day of work.
In the same vein, I’m very glad the spiritually relativistic man who is a doctor does not practice his beliefs while I’m on the operating table. Even in education, most teachers who pride themselves on being relativistic use assessments that are far from it. Can you imagine answering questions on the test any way you feel, then after receiving an F, you protest to your teacher? You argue, saying, “Excuse me Mrs. Teacher, I believe my way is as good as yours. After all, there really are no absolute truths. What’s right for you may not be right for me.” Then your teacher realizes her inconsistencies between belief and practice, changing your grade from an F to an A. While you might rejoice in the short run, after graduating high school you realize that you have actually learned almost nothing.
Not only would the world be more dangerous and unlearned, it would also be a much less productive place. From the factory to the construction site, once relativism is put into practice, all would basically come to a stand still. So as for me, I must say I am elated that most who show signs of relativistic beliefs are not consistent. By taking spiritual relativism to its logical conclusions, I must say that it is not good for every spiritual and philosophical belief to be practiced consistently.
So do consistency and spirituality ever come together in an eternally beneficial way? Absolutely! Let us quickly consider the one belief system which is different from any other in the world- that which is found in the Bible. While relativism, when practiced day-to-day would logically lead to degradation, those born-again, Bible believing Christians who practice consistency will bring true Light and Life to the dark and dead world around them.
So the question to everyone who believes that the Bible is the exclusive and absolute true Word of God is this: Are you consistent with what God has revealed in His Word? Israel serves as a good example of inconsistency. Even though redeemed by the True and Living God, Israel chased after other gods, to which the Lord spoke through Jeremiah saying, “Has a nation [ever]changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but My people [Israel] have changed their glory for that which does not profit.” Jeremiah 2:11
A word of encouragement…
Thank God that the Christian’s consistency is not left up to him to accomplish alone. The Lord has sent His Spirit to dwell within all those who have accepted the Gospel of God, turning from sinful self to the one and only Savior of mankind, Christ Jesus. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 “Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Conclusion…
So I rejoice in the inconsistencies of those who hold to lies, and pray that they would see their own folly, but am saddened by the inconsistencies of myself and fellow brethren who hold to the Word of God. May all earnestly seek to allow the Lord to reveal those areas which do not line up with His perfect Word so that we might more fully know and reveal the truth and love of Jesus both in word and in deed.
To those who have ears, let them hear.
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