Son,
Today, I want to talk to you about one word. If you could master this word it will change everything in your life for the better. Yet you have to be careful with this word, because if you do it wrong, it will cause hardship and frustration. Most young men struggle with this word, but for those who have found the value in it has seen great success. I know you are waiting and here it is—CONSISTENCY!
I am able to measure your successes and failures by your consistency. It is one of the toughest things to learn because generally we want things now. Most youth typically desire things now! Today’s society has shaped us into thinking that we deserve things now without work, but that is simply not true. If you were to talk with any couple who has been together for a period of 10 years or more they will all say marriage requires consistent work. Things will not become what you desire if you are not willing to put consistent time and effort into it. Proverbs 13:4 tells us, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
When marriages fail, it is because one or both of them [husband and wife] stopped being consistent in love. When communication fails, it’s because the couple wasn’t willing to consistently explore different ways to discover a better way of communicating. They simply stopped in the middle of the marriage. First Corinthians 13:8 tells us, “Love never fails.” This is the same love that God the father demonstrated towards us when he allowed his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He has yet to give up on his people. His love towards us remains steadfast.
When a young man is inconsistent, everything about him is out of whack. He struggles with trying to figure life out. He will mismanage money, miss paying bills on time. He may be late to work or forget to show up for an appointment. He will typically take things lightly. He wants the nice car, but he is not willing to work hard to save the money needed to obtain the car. It would be easier to simply sleep on it rather than figure out a way. The inconsistent mindset will cause problems with being focused enough to figure out a plan, a course of action.
To be consistent requires focused and determination. It requires a stick-to-it-ness. As a young man this is what I will challenge you to become. If you apply this simply principle in everything you do, you will succeed. You are a very, good drummer, but your talent is hindered by the lack of consistent practice. You show greatness as a leader, speaker, minister, but your goals and the outcome of your goals are realized by your ability to be consistent.
Did you know you can consistently do the wrong thing? There are times when we think we are right. We have consistently did the wrong thing the wrong way and subsequently suffered as a result of it. Instead of asking for help, we would rather continuing doing it wrong.
The point I am trying to drive home, is Colossians 3:23-24: And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.
in Family, Letters to my son, 11/22/2019