Cal Ripken has the distinction of being the best short stop and third basemen in baseball history. In his 17 year career, Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive games, compiled 3,184 hits, 431 home runs and 1,695 runs batted in. He was known as the man who showed up. But Ripken did more than just show up. In his own words, he said, “I didn’t just show up for work, as has sometimes been said. I also showed up to work.”
Among the many good things we can say about Cal Ripken two things are outstanding. He was consistent and he lived with a purpose. He said, “If you do a job, do it right or there is no point.
Last Sunday, the sermon was about Plowing New Ground. It was about living with a purpose and being consistent for the Glory of God.
Consistency in our daily living – consistency in living our lives as Christians is essential if we are to honor Christ and inspire and impact the lives of others.
Being hot or cold in our relationship to Christ and His church is not pleasing to our Lord. Of the seven churches described in the Book of Revelation, the Church in Laodicea was rebuked because it was neither hot nor cold. It was rebuked for its lack of consistency. It was in fact, repulsive to our Lord. He said, “because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Rev. 3:16).
At Crabtree Valley Baptist Church we need consistency: consistency in Sunday School, Worship and Prayer Meeting attendance, consistency is giving tithes and offerings, consistency is intentionally inviting others to worship and to study the Bible, consistency in praying and witnessing to those who do not know Christ, consistency in encouraging one another, consistency in promoting the church and speaking well of it and consistency in using our gifts and talents for the Glory of God
As we plow new ground in 2016, let us all ask God to help us be consistent. Let us not only show up, but let us show up with a mind to work for Christ.
In His Love,
Charles
