Consistency Leads to Peace

28 Jul Consistency Leads to Peace

Read Hebrews 12:7-13

Thought for the Day: Following Jesus leads to peace!

When I was about to turn 50, I read an article in Runner’s World Magazine that said that age 50 is a great time to re-start running. After prayerful reflection, I decided to resume running (I had stopped years earlier). Of course, I wasn’t the same runner I had been when I was younger. Coming to this realization, I hired a running coach who taught me the importance of consistency and setting reasonable goals. Under the guidance of my new coach, I began the long, slow process of getting into running shape.

Within a year I was running 5-k’s. The next year I ran my first half-marathon. Then, two years later I ran my first and only marathon (more about that another time). Reasonable goals led me to continue to improve my half-marathon times as I enjoyed the rewards that come from slow, incremental improvement.

The Writer of Hebrews teaches us that following Jesus requires a similar type of discipline, consistency, and patience. When we start to consistently follow God instead of the ways of the world, it can feel hard, and “All discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Simply put, putting Jesus first and living faithfully not only gets easier the more we do it but also brings us peace!

I will always remember with fondness those early days of running as a 50-year-old. Even with coaching and good nutrition, my aging muscles still became sore. But, I kept going. Now in my 60s, I have learned the value of consistency, and I reap the benefits. In our spiritual lives let’s learn the same lesson: following Jesus gets easier over time and brings incredible benefits!

In Christ,

Pastor Stan (and David)