The Power of Consistency

So she (Ruth) stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law. (Ruth 2:23)

Each day, Ruth gleaned in the fields until the end of the barley harvest and wheat harvest. This was the right thing to do as this would also help support her mother-in-law. She was consistent at doing the right thing, even when it was just routine.

To be doing something consistently, day in and day out is not very exciting as a great leap of faith, but the rewards are just as great. Ruth had been gleaning in Boaz's fields long enough and consistently enough that the reapers knew her by name, and Boaz picked her out from among the crowd.

Blessed are those who keep justice,
And he who does righteousness at all times! Psalm 106:3

Notice the phrase; "at all times" It speaks of consistency. Consistent behaviour brings the blessing of God and attracts the favour of man.

Ruth's discipline is what made the difference in her relationship with Boaz and her relationship with God. The same is true for us.

Someone rightly said, "Events are good for making decisions, but the process is what brings about change in every area of our lives." In other words, if we want to see real progress in our lives, there has to be a consistency even in the things we are doing right.

Habits form when we repeat actions consistently, day after day until they become second nature. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, writes, "We don’t rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our systems." In other words, our habits—our systems—are what keep us on track. Scripture echoes this sentiment in Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The harvest comes not from one burst of effort but from the steady, consistent sowing of seeds.

Consistency is the glue that binds motivation and habit together. It’s showing up even when you don’t feel like it. It’s pushing forward when the excitement wears off. Proverbs 13:4 reminds us, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." Diligence—doing the work consistently—yields the reward.

Today ask yourself, "What behaviour of mine needs to grow in consistency?"

Father, I thank You that You always keep Your Word. Help me to be consistent in holding onto Your Word that will keep me going. In Jesus' name. Amen.