It is the first part of this famous quote that most people recognize.
However, it is the last sentence that should stir our mind.
How is it that consistency could render us useless?
However, it is the last sentence that should stir our mind.
How is it that consistency could render us useless?
Consistency could be considered a disease by some.
I have for years admired the notion of consistency. Friends got to where they knew a joke was coming simply because of the situation we were in at the moment. Others have known what I was about to say, because I was predictable.
Something about that would always grate on me, but I didn't know what it was.
"Predictable? I'm anything but predictable," I thought.
Not true.
I have danced with this seeming incongruity in my life for quite some time, wondering about the veracity of others' perspective of me.
I finally had to admit they were correct--I am predictable.
Part of that predictability is a good thing, though. My dependability goes far beyond just my love for playing havoc with the English language. I am dependable. You can count on me. I consider it a virtue.
That is NOT what this is about, however. I want to explore something deeper, something that affects our spirituality, our walk with the Lord.
"They who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)
What does it mean, or look like, to be led by the spirit?
Using the word "spirit" was a very popular way of verifying whatever it was that popped into someone's mind during the height of the Charismatic Movement. "The Spirit led me," or "The spirit told me," or "I feel led to," or "The Spirit says" were common phrases heard anytime a group of charismatic people would gather.
While we may look at those days with a little dismay, I choose to view them as days of learning. We were learning some valuable lessons. Sadly, though, those days are gone, having went the way of all things "strange."
We are no longer comfortable with going to a "mom & pop" restaurant in a strange town, so we don't stop until there is a familiar fast-food logo within sight. Consistency trumps adventure.
There was a time--not too long ago--when a woman would "die of embarrassment" if she met another woman with the same dress. Now, if there is not another like hers, then she just won't wear it again. Consistency trumps variety.
Our country supposedly celebrates diversity, but not if you're different.
Consistency drives our choices in almost everything we do, like, say, and think.
This is opposite of how Jesus described a life led by the spirit. "The wind blows and you can see its effect; but you don't know where it comes from or where it's going. So is everyone who is born of the spirit." (John 3:8)
In other words, a true Christian will appear to be rather flaky to those around them.
Where is the consistency in that?
But, that is NOT the way it has been. It has been more about following the rules and doing as one is told, rather than learning how to experience God for oneself.
Couldn't this lead to all sorts of strange, maybe even weird, behavior?
Hopefully, YES!
Well, how would you maintain order? After all, God is not a god of confusion, but of order.
There is your answer.
Whose show is this? God's? or ours?
God is well able to maintain the order He desires. In fact, better able than any of us.
Man created cookie cutters so that they will all be consistent.
God created snowflakes so that they will all be different.
Comments, questions, and criticisms are welcomed here. Please add to the discussion by giving yours. Thank you.
I have for years admired the notion of consistency. Friends got to where they knew a joke was coming simply because of the situation we were in at the moment. Others have known what I was about to say, because I was predictable.
Something about that would always grate on me, but I didn't know what it was.
"Predictable? I'm anything but predictable," I thought.
Not true.
I have danced with this seeming incongruity in my life for quite some time, wondering about the veracity of others' perspective of me.
I finally had to admit they were correct--I am predictable.
Part of that predictability is a good thing, though. My dependability goes far beyond just my love for playing havoc with the English language. I am dependable. You can count on me. I consider it a virtue.
That is NOT what this is about, however. I want to explore something deeper, something that affects our spirituality, our walk with the Lord.
"They who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)
What does it mean, or look like, to be led by the spirit?
Using the word "spirit" was a very popular way of verifying whatever it was that popped into someone's mind during the height of the Charismatic Movement. "The Spirit led me," or "The spirit told me," or "I feel led to," or "The Spirit says" were common phrases heard anytime a group of charismatic people would gather.
While we may look at those days with a little dismay, I choose to view them as days of learning. We were learning some valuable lessons. Sadly, though, those days are gone, having went the way of all things "strange."
We are no longer comfortable with going to a "mom & pop" restaurant in a strange town, so we don't stop until there is a familiar fast-food logo within sight. Consistency trumps adventure.
There was a time--not too long ago--when a woman would "die of embarrassment" if she met another woman with the same dress. Now, if there is not another like hers, then she just won't wear it again. Consistency trumps variety.
Our country supposedly celebrates diversity, but not if you're different.
Consistency drives our choices in almost everything we do, like, say, and think.
This is opposite of how Jesus described a life led by the spirit. "The wind blows and you can see its effect; but you don't know where it comes from or where it's going. So is everyone who is born of the spirit." (John 3:8)
In other words, a true Christian will appear to be rather flaky to those around them.
Where is the consistency in that?
But, that is NOT the way it has been. It has been more about following the rules and doing as one is told, rather than learning how to experience God for oneself.
Couldn't this lead to all sorts of strange, maybe even weird, behavior?
Hopefully, YES!
Well, how would you maintain order? After all, God is not a god of confusion, but of order.
There is your answer.
Whose show is this? God's? or ours?
God is well able to maintain the order He desires. In fact, better able than any of us.
Man created cookie cutters so that they will all be consistent.
God created snowflakes so that they will all be different.
Comments, questions, and criticisms are welcomed here. Please add to the discussion by giving yours. Thank you.
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