If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know I began going to the gym twice a week back in June. It is just about two and a half months now, and I am beginning to feel and see a bit of a difference. Nothing major, but a few minor things that surprise me now and then. Some people have told me they see a difference, and my massage therapist told me she could tell I was definitely getting stronger. As I was working out today, the word CONSISTENCY kept coming to mind. There have been days I had to make myself go, and a few days I got by with as little as possible without feeling too guilty, but I can honestly say I have been pretty consistent. Consistency builds momentum and strengthens habits, making it more likely you will continue even when your motivation wanes. That definition applies to so much more than exercise!

How does consistency affect my spiritual life? This list is not exhaustive by any means, but here are a few things that come to mind for me. I'd love for you to share your thoughts. 

Scripture:  One of the first things I like to do when beginning a book of the Bible is to gather information about the author, place, and time it was written. We go into detail in our Bible 101 course about why this is so important. If I study the history of a book I don't normally spend a lot of time in (Habakkuk, for example), I will constantly have to go back and refresh my memory on what I read previously if I am not consistent. Consistency also helps me immerse myself in the story being told. It helps me to see the overall message of the book rather than just individual Scriptures. It is easy to take a familiar Scripture and use it out of context if I fail to see the whole picture. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" Romans 15:4.

Prayer:  Talking to God comes pretty easily to me. Consistently listening to God does not come as easily. You see, prayer is more than just talking—it is communicating. That means listening as well as talking! My brain runs at high speed ALL of the time, so I must consistently make time to slow down and listen. When I don't, I lose some of that two-way communication. When my peace begins to deteriorate, it is a good sign that I am not consistently taking time to listen to and hear from God. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27.

Church:  I believe in the local church with all my heart. When I am not consistent in church attendance, two attitudes quickly try to take hold. First, it becomes easier to justify staying home and watching on TV. After all, I am still being fed, right? Secondly, I catch myself becoming more critical. Yes, there are broken, sinful, selfish people in every church, which may be why I feel so comfortable there. You see, the church was never meant to be a building for perfect people—it is made up of the very sinners Jesus saved by grace. We will never be perfect until He returns, which is why we do not put our hope in people, but Christ alone. God uses people to help people, so instead of being critical, I need to ask God how He wants to use me to help them, forgive them, and love them. Remember, the unbeliever is looking to 'church people' to show them a a better way. Consistency in studying Scripture and communicating with God through prayer makes consistency in this area much easier. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" Hebrews 10:24-25.

Community:  Some of you know that I could easily be a recluse! I like myself and have no problem spending time alone. That is a good thing in moderation; however, I also know that isolation—especially away from God's people—is not good for me. If I am not consistent in fellowship, selfishness and arrogance can quickly begin to show. God created us to be in community with each other. While I do love church, that Sunday morning service does not allow time for real fellowship. "And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Acts 2:42.

If I am consistent in hitting the gym, or cleaning my house, or whatever, but fail to consistently put God first in my life, what good is it?