THE CONSISTENT YOUTH
Josh 1: 8
INTRODUCTION:
We thank God for the privilege to be alive and to be involved in raising youths that will make a difference in academics, life, career and ministry. God wants us to have good success and to excel consistently in fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Consistency is the character of God. He is the unchangeable God. He is immutable. He said in Mal. 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”. The scripture also affirms that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CONSISTENT?
-It means acting or doing things in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.
– A set of ideas not containing any logical contradictions
-Constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, values, etc
Our discussion today cuts across spiritual, academic, business, career and general issues
THE LAW OF CONSISTENCY
The Consistency Principle or Law is applicable in different facets of life. For in business, it means that once an organization or accounting department, adopts an accounting principle or method of documenting and reporting information, that method has to be used consistently moving forward.
According to Edwin Cole, there are three things that determine how far a man (or youth) can go in life. These include,
- The Knowledge in his Mind
- The Worth of his Character
- The Principles upon which he builds his life
Following this timeless truth, we shall look at three distinct areas of consistency that can guarantee good success and take a youth to lofty heights in life. These include:
- CONSISTENCY IN SEEKING FOR KNOWLEDGE
A man that must go far in any area must be consistent in seeking for knowledge in that area. There is a common saying that if you want to hide something from an African, just write it in a book. This is sadly true for many people who don’t care to read to gain knowledge but prefer to listen to gossip and spread rumors.
As a student you must seek for knowledge in your course of study before you can excel. A business or career person also needs knowledge. You gain knowledge through information and inspiration. You must be a lover of books for you to gain requisite knowledge in any area of endeavour. You must study avidly and voraciously to stay ahead of your contemporaries in any field.
Francis Bacon wrote, “Reading makes a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”. You can’t be a man full of knowledge when you don’t have a reading or study culture. Reading keeps you intellectually sharp and accurate.
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and if we must be governors of our own selves we must equip ourselves with the power that knowledge gives”.
James Madison (4th President of America)
If you want to be powerful in life, you should read books about everything you want to do and every business or career you want to delve into.
- CONSISTENCY IN CHARACTER
Consistency in character is a key to success in every life endeavour. You must be known as a person of honesty, truth, and integrity. As a student, you must never indulge in Exam malpractice or anti-social behaviour. In business you must be honest. Don’t use dishonest scales and measures (Prov. 11:1; 20: 23). Your character can attract people to you or repel them. Ruth excelled in character (Ruth 3:11) and the woman in Proverb 31:29 also did.
Some ladies have lost potential suitors because of bad character and some young men have lost opportunities because of negative behavior.
Consistency in good character is a prerequisite for kingship. David behaved himself wisely before he ascended the throne (I Sam. 18:14-15).
Learn to show respect to people and also be polite in your response to issues. Courtesy is a virtue that can open doors when applied correctly. When dealing with people don’t be selfish. Learn to put others’ interest first before your own. You will gain the confidence of great people when you are a person of great character.
- CONSISTENCY IN SOUND AND GODLY PRINCIPLES
Some of these sound and godly principles include:
- Principle of Purpose — Rom. 15: 20
- Principle of Direction—Eccl.10:15
- Principle of Focus —Lk. 9: 51; Phil 3:13
- Principle of Discipline—I Cor. 9:27
- Principle of Determination– Phil4:13; Rom.8:31
- Principle of Diligence —(Rom. 12:11; Prov. 22:29)
- Principle of Spiritual Fervency — Rom. 12:11
- Principle of Service — Rom. 12:11
- Principle of Prayer —I Tess. 5:17
- Principle of the Word (Reading, Hearing and Doing the Word)—Josh.1:8
Conclusion:
God has invested a lot into your life to enable you succeed. Don’t allow inconsistency to deprive you of your crown. You will succeed in Jesus name.
By Dr. Tony Orji
(Excerpts from seminar delivered at Divine Grace Assembly Obukpa, Nsukka Youth Programme on Sat. 3rd September, 2022)
