Consistency sets us apart

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!: Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

In April of 2018, the world watched in awe as Desiree "Des" Linden battled the elements for 26.2 miles to become the Boston Marathon female champion. To say it was an exciting race would be an understatement. Not one to rest on past fame though, Des made the leap to ultrarunning and gave it her all once again on April 13 at a small race in Oregon to set an unofficial 50k world record of 2:59:54. Do you realize just how fast that is? Journalist Sarah Lorge Butler who was onsite to watch and report the accomplishment later tweeted, "Even when my math is right (most often not) my thumbs don't work. Here are the splits I caught: 38:08 (6.55 ish miles, first turnaround) 1:15:51 (half marathon) 1:53:35 (19.7 ish miles) 2:31:12 (marathon) 2:59:54 (final time. Got that one right the first time)" So, if these splits end up correct, Desiree kept a 5:47 minute-mile pace for the first half marathon, was still at 5:46 overall pace at the marathon mark, and finished with a 5:47 overall pace for 50k. Talk about consistency! Is that amazing or what? 

And you know, when it comes to running the Christian race, every believer should be known for their consistency as well. Which means, from the start line to the finish line, the world should be able to see that we are different. You see, while a number of people might be able to display some of the qualities the Bible tells us the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a believer--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--for a brief time, they can't do it for long because they are ultimately controlled by their fleshly nature. It's only by the power of the Holy Spirit that anyone can overcome that nature to display "this kind of fruit" consistently; fruit that sets us apart as followers of Jesus Christ.

So strive to be consistent in all your actions my friend. Show "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" on all occasions, especially when the world is displaying the direct opposite. This behavior will not only cause others to look at us but to seek the One who makes these actions possible. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to live inside us and to guide us. Help us to surrender our will to your's Lord that we might display behavior that is so contrary to the world's that people would be drawn to us out of curiosity and be led to You by our testimony. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Let them see You in me