Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
The importance of consistency is well known to the athlete, the parent, the student, and on and on we could go. In all of life consistency and faithfulness will reap a harvest if we do not give up, give out or give in. How much more so should this be made manifest in the Christian who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is to run their race with perseverance, patience and joy. Paul also writes in Colossians 3:23-24 that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Some days this is easier than others, right? Yet, we must be vigilant in following hard after Christ through His power and for His glory, keeping our hearts pure and cleansed by quick repentance. Out of our hearts flow the wellspring of life and in them are our greatest treasures. God is faithful and He will not let us be tempted beyond our ability to resist. He will keep us and guard us as we rely on His power and strength. When we fall, He forgives and cleanses and lifts us up. We will most assuredly end up defeated when we rely on our own wisdom and power despite our most sincere resolutions. He gives us everything we need to consistently do His bidding including all the unmeasured peace, grace, mercy and power. We are to be ever watchful keeping one eye on everything that opposes our kingdom work and another on the power that is at work within us and pray. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Be strong and do the work.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)