Confronting Inconsistency In The
Christian Walk
Working in missions, you get to see
some of the best sides of people. I have been on several short term trips and
have had the privilege of seeing the body of Christ thrive in an environment
that is virtually technology free, focused on a common goal, and driven by the
overwhelming purpose to know Christ and to make Him known. Relationships are
cultivated, the gospel is shared, and God uses people to build each other up
and stir one and other on to love and good works.
But
eventually the trip is over, tearful good-byes are said, and each returns to
the place from whence they came. We are all praying that we go home changed,
that our hearts would not soon heal, that our minds would not soon forget the
things that we have seen, and that we would go home and do the same in our own
Jerusalem. Sadly, more often than not, we go back to the way we were as if we
had learned nothing. We get into the mindset of a dichotomy between who we are
when we are on the field and who we are when we are at home.
So what
do we do when we notice this inconsistency between who we are at home and who
we are while “doing ministry”? What do we do when we see in others a separation
between how they act when they are on a missions trip and how they act when
they are on vacation? Here are a few helpful hints for when you detect these
discrepancies.
When You See Inconsistency Others
1. Remember that we who are strong have the
obligation.
Romans 15:1 states “We who are strong have
an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, not to please
ourselves”. If you notice this in your
peers and family members, according to Scripture you have an obligation to bear
with them. You are not to be fed up and walk away from them. You are not to
accuse and rant at them about the areas that they are failing in. Your
obligation is to come alongside them and help them, even if it requires
sacrifice on your part. And it most likely will, because…
2. Discernment is not for degradation.
Oswald Chambers puts it this way, “God
never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may
intercede.” If you notice some variation in the life of a brother or sister,
you have been allowed to see it by God’s grace so that you may pray for them,
and that you may know how to do so better than you were before. You are not
seeing this so that you can feel superior to them, nor so that you can have
something to hold against them. You have been given insight into an area in
which they struggle so that you can pick up your sword and get into the battle
with them.
3. Use it as
your warning light.
Most of us are familiar with the admonition
to take the plank out of our own eye before attempting to remove the splinter
in the eye of our brother. We are warned that if we think we are standing, we
should take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). We are reminded that a
self-appraising attitude is opposed by God and that we are to consider others
better than ourselves, not the other way around. If you are catching
inconsistencies in the lives of those around you, cry out to God to search your own heart to see if there is any
hurtful way in you.
When You See Inconsistency Yourself
1. Repent, reassess, and return.
If the Holy Spirit is convicting you of
this kind of behavior, take a moment and praise the Lord that He loves you
enough to sanctify you. He will not leave you where you are, and He will be
faithful and just to forgive you. When you have confessed your sin to God, ask
Him to show you how this came to place in your life. Most likely, you were not
abiding in Him, and the fruit your life has been producing has been the bitter
fruit of human effort (see John 15). Return to the true vine, stand in the
victory Christ has already won, and watch the fruit of the Spirit manifest
itself in your life.
2. Cultivate Compassion.
Much of the inconsistencies I have
witnessed in myself and others springs from a lack of compassion toward others,
especially those of the faith. Because, after all, they are already saved, so I
don’t need to win them over, right? Actually this is completely contrary to
Scriptures. Galatians 6:10 commands us to do good to everyone as we have
opportunity, especially to those who
are of the household of faith. The earth shaking, grave conquering love that
Christ showed by descending to seek and save the lost does not end for us at
salvation. Hallelujah! He loves the redeemed as He loves Christ, and we are to
follow suit. He has declared that His disciples will be marked by their love
for one another. Are we exhibiting that in our own lives?
3. Eliminate compromise.
It has been said that spiritual death happens
one compromise at a time. Compromise is the breeding ground for a life of
inconsistency. The Lord has commanded in Leviticus and then again in 1 Peter
that we are to “Be holy as I am holy.” Do not lower that standard in your life.
Aim to be imitators of Christ and the room for compromise will be crowded out
by the desire to be like our King.
Love Covers A Multitude of Sins
“Above all love one another earnestly, since love covers a
multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Christ has set the perfect example of love and then called
us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. If you are offended or
hurt by the inconsistencies of those around you, take up the cross of your
disappointment and pain and follow Christ. Love them like He loves you. If you
are convicted by the inconsistencies you see in your own life, take up the
cross of humility and follow Christ. Love those around you enough to have a
lifestyle that preaches Christ continually. And above all, look to the Author
and Perfecter of your faith.
He who called you is able.
He will surely do it.
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