Be Consistent

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:17-24

An artesian well sits in a pasture along a picturesque, rural road. Flowing from a small pipe, it has provided cool refreshment for man and beast for decades. Its stream, issuing from deep within the earth, has never diminished or varied - even in times of severe drought.

Such consistency is what most believers long for since we are so often governed by our circumstances or emotions. A good day at home or work is spiritually fortifying. A flat tire or flat speech can be debilitating, leaving us spiritually deflated. That type of elevator Christianity takes its toll spiritually and leaves unbelievers wondering about the reliability of their faith.

Like the artesian well, the source is the key. When the love and spirit of Christ control us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can live consistently. Christ is our life, flowing through our will, emotions, and personalities with His purity and power; enabling, steadying us in turmoil and disappointment.

Christ never changes; He is always the same. We experience His unchanging life when we steadfastly count on His refreshing presence in every circumstance. Tough times come; but they can never separate us from the constant, steadfast love of God. He is our Source.

“...From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38