The Consistency of Inconsistency

The definitions of words and the use of those words can cause great confusion within the real world. Consider the two words that I have used in the title of this article - consistency and inconsistency. While there may be multiple definitions listed in a dictionary, my use of these words focuses on one specific definition listed for each.

CONSISTENCY

"the steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, or form"

Synonyms

firmness, hardness, organization, density

INCONSISTENCY

"not logical in thoughts or actions, variation from stated principles"

Synonyms

deviation, difference, disagreement, disparity, divergent,

inequality, paradox

Don't panic. My intent is not to write a word study here, but rather what I want to consider is if some of the things that we embrace as our constants sometimes expose our inconsistencies. Consider the following that seem to be inconsistent with what we value.

• Human Life - Does it seem consistent or inconsistent to you that many people who support abortion are opposed to capital punishment? Does that mean that they have no problem killing the unborn baby but find it abhorrent that a person who murders would be put to death? On the other side are those who support capital punishment but stand in opposition to abortion.

• Implementation of Justice - Prisons are being upgraded to make sure air conditioning and nutritional meals are provided to all prisoners because this is humane. Gas chambers, hanging, and electric chairs were banished and replaced with lethal injection as a more humane way to execute a convicted murderer, but a public execution of a convicted murderer is being planned to use a firing squad and being live streamed so that all may see it. When other countries have had public executions, we have called them barbaric.

The items above make the national news and become the issues of political campaigns and candidates. But are these the only places that we see what is proclaimed as a value become an inconsistency in practice? Of course not! All we need to do is look at our own lives to see the same inconsistency of our proclaimed consistency. As a Christian, I proclaim to be a follower of Jesus Christ and live in obedience to His Word. However, it only takes a casual look to see that at times I am guilty of doing the opposite of what Jesus taught.

It is easy to find the faults and inconsistencies of others, particularly those who live in the public eye. However, when we take the time to be honest with ourselves, we discover our own inconsistencies. As a citizen of this nation, I have not only the right but also the responsibility to call for consistency by those in government to follow the laws and purposes of our country. As a person, I have the same responsibility to make sure I am living the consistency of my faith and values.

This week we all have the opportunity to exercise citizenship and personal integrity. Join me as we pray that we will be individuals and a nation that consistently live by the consistent truth of God's Word and purpose for our lives.

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