Pearls of Great Value

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. [Prov. 23:20.] Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-21‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Consistency. The dictionary defines this word: 1. Conformity in the application of something; evenness, steadiness. 2. The achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time. 3. Firmness of constitution or character; persistency.

I see consistency as a gift. Being able to do a thing persistently over a long amount of time is well worth admiring, isn’t it? Have you ever thought that consistency and discipline is how growth is accomplished in most areas? For example, an athlete builds muscle strength and abilities by being consistent in practicing their art. Likewise a scholar grows in knowledge and wisdom by being consistent in learning and then applying acquired knowledge. A child learns to walk, to eat, to speak, by consistently doing those things. Character in a person is also formed when one is being consistent in discipline: in how you practice a daily routine and form habits, how you speak and think, how you live in the mundane every day life.  There’s something to be said about the art of repeating action without growing weary. There’s something to be admired of committing time to spiritual growth in the midst of a busy life. Being consistent in anything definitely doesn’t come easy, especially if you lack the passion for it. It requires an everyday decision to keep at it until you see a thing accomplished. An example, if you want to be more consistent in prayer, you must decide to pray, and make that decision every day until it is a habit.

Intentionality! Every believer should have a life of intentionality and devotion. Yes, if we want to get serious about our walk in the Lord we must be consistent in eliminating spiritual laziness. In Galatians 5:25, we are told that if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. To live in the Spirit means to walk in the spirit, not running ahead and not lagging behind. Walking involves prayer, worship, fellowship, etc, and also pulling out the weeds that prevent the Word of God from taking root and growing.

Look at how Paul teaches us in Ephesians 5. He uses the example of walking to convey consistency, "Pay careful attention to HOW you walk- not as the unwise people but as the wise- making the most of the time because the days are evil.” Walking: Consistently maintaining a lifestyle of moving toward a goal. Not stopping, and if you get stuck or fall, get back up and continue your walking. This isn’t the first time Paul used this language, he started this chapter by saying believers should be walking in love. Elsewhere the Bible uses walking and says we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7. In John 8:12 Jesus says that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. In Eph 4:1, Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which they have been called, and in Col 2:6, therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in Him.

Walking. One foot in front of the other, stepping toward a goal. Onward movement, making progress. Walking conveys action, it tells us that the person doing the action is not stuck or standing still.  Walking in the Bible is often used to exemplify a certain conduct, and to maintain a certain way of life. So when Paul says we are to pay careful attention to how we walk, he’s putting focus on the behavior of believers.

How are you walking? Paul lists some things to help us:

• Are we walking as wise people? Wise people make the most of the time that they have. Can you think of some areas where you can say I’m wasting time here? Here’s a question for you: does the way you manage your time glorify God? Some of us might not like to hear this, but we are really good at wasting time on our devices; scrolling endlessly, watching countless videos. Check your phones, go into settings and look at your screen time. If you have hours logged onto YouTube, Instagram, etc, you can’t honestly still say you have no time for God or to study the Word. The fact is, the ideal time to be consistent in the spiritual will never magically appear before you. Making the most of the time means we are taking full advantage of every day to live life for His purposes. One of the aspects of living in the fear of the Lord, is understanding that to act outside of His will is truly detrimental to us and yes, wasted time. Time spent wisely is living with honor, purpose,and courage; shunning all things evil. Budget time like you would budget money. Let us intentionally structure our days and be a good steward of our time!

• Wise people aren’t foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. What is His will for you, for me, for His bride? The Bible is full of Gods will and desires for us! If you really want to know, search scripture. If you really want to hear him speak, you must seek. He promises that those who seek, will find. If you want a list read 1 Thessalonians 5, it is an awesome starting point and gives us a good idea of Gods will for us: “Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:14-22‬ ‭MEV‬‬

• Wise people don’t get drunk with wine for that is reckless and leads to debauchery. Instead they are filled with the Spirit. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Ephesians 5: 19-21 gives us a few examples: *SPEAKING to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. *SINGING and making music to the Lord in your heart. (Worship!) *GIVING THANKS always in everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. *SUBMITTING to one another in the fear of Christ.
• Pay attention to the action words in these verses: speaking, singing, giving thanks, and submitting. How are we doing in speaking Gods word with one another? Are we lacking? Then let us make a point to do better. How are we doing in singing and making music to the Lord in our hearts? This speaks to our worship life. Let me ask you this: on a daily basis which is greater in you, worry or worship? In a way, worrying is giving honor to the devil, for your focus is not on God. Next on the list is giving thanks, how are we doing in this area? Most of us know that thanksgiving is a good practice, but do we know just how good it is? Even science shows that gratitude is healthy for us, improving both physical and psychological health. It increases kindness and self-esteem and decreases stress and negativity. Recognizing all that we have to be thankful for and putting our focus on what we do have instead of complaining about perceived lack will greatly improve our satisfaction and joy in life. Thanksgiving glorifies God! Last but not least, another attribute of a spirit filled believer is the ability to submit  to one another. We read the word submit and our flesh nature immediately flinches and draws back. Yet, this is a beautiful action of love between believers. It’s saying, I honor and respect you therefore I’ll give your needs priority. It’s a willingness to serve and be supportive of each other in love. After all, this is what one does in a family, right? Instinctively, you act to protect, love, and care for the well being of any member in the household. Likewise, so it is in the family of God.

Lord, we pray for the gift of consistency to be formed in us. Teach us that laziness and lack of purpose is of the flesh. May we see that true spirituality is to be like our Father. Teach us the value of holding on to what is good and right and pure. Teach us the value of steadfast worship and thanksgiving. Help us to grow in grace toward each other and speak about the truths you reveal to us in your Word. I pray that we will become more aware of your abiding presence. Let us not be a mindless people who go about our day without purpose or navigation and restore to us the joy of living for Christ! You are about to do a new thing, making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Help us to perceive it, to not miss it because of hardness of heart or spiritual laziness. Let streams of living water pour out in these dry and arid places among us! May we go to higher places in our walk with Christ. In Jesus name we say thank you and praise you for what you are doing and are about to do! We love you. Amen, amen.