Is there a consistency of what you are portraying on Sunday mornings with what happens in your life the rest of the week? A pastor voiced concern recently about some of the people who sing on stage on the Lord’s Day and their Facebook posts through the week. The old saying that what you are doing speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying is quite applicable. Isn’t it amazing how the appearance of anonymity of social media makes it think there is no connection to who we really are. But wait! Here’s what Jesus had to say:
Matthew 7:15–20 (ESV) — 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
It’s apparent that inconsistency is the norm today as there seems to be a plethora of examples from all walks of life of saying one thing and living life on the opposite pole. What can you do to fight against the inconsistency?
1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 (ESV) — 1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (ESV) — 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) — 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Peter 2:11 (ESV) — 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
Notice the words above that indicate a disciple in one’s life which leads to consistency. Discipline in following the instructions from God’s word. Discipline in abstaining from what God has clearly said is wrong, even so much as what may appear to be inconsistent.
Knowing your consistency matters to God and to your testimony in the world, it’s time to look at possible areas of inconsistency such as where you find your pleasure in life, what you post on social media, and what comes out of your mouth through the week. Does it match what you say, sing, and imply on Sunday? If it doesn’t maybe it’s time to be concerned.
Matthew 7:21–23 (ESV) — 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
