
Consistency When Others Falter
The pastor begins by reminding the congregation that the Christian life is not measured in isolated moments of success or failure but in long-term patterns of faithfulness. Scripture emphasizes this in God’s commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” God never rewards popularity, talent, or ability, but faithfulness.
1. The Reality of Change Through Christ
Paul tells the church at Corinth that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Corruption cannot become incorruption, nor can mortality put on immortality. Humanity is flawed by sin, making it impossible to achieve perfection or eternal life on our own. But through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers receive victory over sin and death. Verse 57 is the hinge: “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This victory is not based on works, goodness, or religion, but solely on what Christ accomplished through His resurrection. Because of this eternal victory, Paul concludes with an exhortation to live consistently: “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
2. Corinth’s Instability and Our Struggle
The Corinthian church serves as an example of instability—they argued over leaders, tolerated sin, wavered in doctrine, and mishandled spiritual gifts. Paul confronts them by showing that their security and consistency cannot come from themselves but only from the resurrection of Christ.
Modern believers also wrestle with insecurity, comparing themselves to worldly standards of beauty, success, or strength. This pursuit of “perfection” only magnifies our imperfections. Yet God designed each person intentionally—our flaws and weaknesses included. Even mistakes serve His purposes when we yield to Him.
3. The Call to Consistency
Paul’s command is threefold:
- Be steadfast – firmly planted like a tree by rivers of water (Psalm 1). This word implies being grounded and settled in one place.
- Be unmovable – not easily shifted or swayed, but putting effort into resisting pressures that seek to uproot us.
- Always abounding – not stagnant, but flourishing and overflowing in the work of the Lord. Abounding is not doing the bare minimum but going the extra mile with fruitfulness that lasts eternally.
Consistency is not glamorous—it’s not about sudden bursts of emotion or short-lived zeal. It’s about a steady, faithful walk that outlasts talent and excitement.
4. Why Do Christians Falter in Consistency?
The pastor outlines several reasons:
- Lack of discipline – What we allow into our minds and hearts (through words, music, entertainment, or habits) shapes our thoughts, speech, and actions. Discipline in what we consume spiritually and mentally is crucial.
- Distractions of the world – Careers, money, entertainment, and material pursuits can choke out the Word of God, leaving believers unfruitful (Mark 4:19).
- Discouragement in hardship – Weariness and trials cause many to give up. Yet Scripture calls us not to be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap (Gal. 6:9). God provides rest and promises to care for His children.
- Doubts about doctrine – Especially regarding the resurrection, many struggle with unseen truths and thus fail to remain steadfast.
5. How to Remain Consistent
The pastor provides practical steps rooted in Scripture:
- A fixed foundation – Build your life on Christ, the eternal Rock. Without Him, life collapses like marshmallows stacked without support. With Him, you have an unshakable base.
- A firm resistance – Like Captain America’s phrase, “I can do this all day,” believers must refuse to stay down, rising again after failure. A just man falls seven times but rises again.
- A faithful routine – Consistency comes from holy patterns and spiritual disciplines. Just as diet shapes health, spiritual habits shape Christian life. Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and service must become part of one’s daily rhythm.
- An overflowing work – Move beyond minimum service. Abounding means going further, giving extra, living generously in the work of the Lord with eternal investments.
6. Final Challenge
Consistency, though quiet and often unnoticed, surpasses talent and emotion. Instability is its opposite, leading to spiritual collapse. True consistency is not about doing more but being faithful with what God has given.