“Consistency” - 1/17/25
Consistency is “the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in a similar way” (Cambridge Dictionary). When I read about Ruth, especially in chapter 2, I was impressed with her consistency. While some see consistency in life as boring, experience says that the consistent person generally achieves what he wants.
How did Ruth show consistency? One place we read of this quality is in Ruth 2. After her time gleaning the field and returning home to report what had happened (v. 1-19), Naomi was excited to learn that Ruth had been working in Boaz’s field (v. 20). She reinforced what Boaz had said about Ruth not going to any other field (v. 8-9, 22), and Ruth obeyed. (v. 23). As we read the last verse of Ruth 2, we see that she followed the instructions and gleaned with Boaz’s female servants until the end of the wheat and barley harvests. While we know what is about to happen, Ruth did not know the future. Yet, she remained faithful to Boaz’s instructions (and Naomi’s) as the days of the barley and wheat harvests continued.
In other words, she was consistent in her work and faithful to follow instructions. In years to come, such an attitude would greatly benefit Queen Esther (Est. 2). Consistency benefited Noah (Gen. 6:22) and has certainly benefited many people over the years. Therefore, we know that behaving similarly, being faithful to God, and being obedient will serve us well (Rev. 22:14).
“Showing up is half the battle.” This phrase, attributed to many people over the years, is accurate. Just showing up to do a job is more than what much of the population does. Thus, when Boaz saw Ruth showing up to work daily, it made an impression on him and even the city itself (Ruth 2:23. 3:11).
Christian, how consistent are you in your labor for the Lord (I Cor. 15:58)? When it comes to serving God and living for Him, this is a 24/7 endeavor! In other words, it demands consistency! How would Ruth and Naomi’s life have changed if Ruth only showed up every few days or just once a week to the barley or wheat harvest? In spiritual terms, it is not enough to claim to be a Christian but not live it daily (Matt. 6:33). We have an influence that others feel (Matt. 5:14-16). What are we showing people? What are we showing God (Jn. 14:15, 15:14)?
How consistent are we in our prayer life (I Thess. 5:17)? How consistent are we in our Bible reading (Eph. 3:4; Acts 17:11)? What about in our living (Rev. 2:10; I Cor. 15:58)? Are we living in a consistent way that reflects the principles laid out by the Lord? If not, why not?
Being consistent is not easy. It is not always “exciting” or “glamorous” when we feel like we are merely “trudging” through one day to the next doing the same thing. No doubt, the Christians felt some of this in the first century when they complained that one day was the same as the next and Christ was never returning (II Pet. 3:4). They were wrong, and so are we when we quit being consistent in our faith and our spiritual growth (Heb. 5:12-14; II Pet. 3:18).
When one shows up day after day to do the work, it makes an impression. It shows that it is worth it. I am sure Ruth had days she didn’t want to glean in the field. I am sure she felt like her back was sometimes breaking from being stooped over so much. Yet, she did it, and we will soon see she was rewarded for her consistent efforts. It is the same for us. As Christians, we will “reap” in due time if we do not lose heart now (Gal. 6:9)!
- Jarrod M. Jacobs