The dictionary is one of my favorite resources for unlocking the meaning of Bible words. Recently, I studied the word consistency. If, before I started studying the word, you asked me what consistency meant I would have said, “The same all the time.” In actuality, this is not a bad definition, but that is only part of the word.

Here are some definitions I found of the word consistency:

• Constant, unwavering, harmonious
• The same throughout in structure or composition
• Of a regularly occurring, dependable nature

Think of those definitions in light of ministry, or in light of your daily work. Are you constant, dependable, harmonious? Can you be characterized by consistency?

There are many areas where we need to be consistent. One of them is in our attitude. James 3:17 give us a wonderful goal for our attitude: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

I love the phrase, “Easy to be intreated.” It means easily asked, not stubborn or sour. To me it says, “Yes! Whatever you ask of me, I will do it and I will give it my 100% effort.”

So often, “No” or “I can’t” is our first response. Are you easily asked? Or do others dread asking you to do something because they are afraid of your answer or how you will respond?

If our goal is to be easily entreated, then our attitude should be:

Enthusiastic consistently

• Attitude is a choice – you can choose your outlook today.
• Much of our attitude comes from our walk with the Lord – The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10) – how is your strength? How is your joy? How is your walk with the Lord?
• Our attitude at the beginning of a task will affect its outcome more than anything else.
• Believe in what you do – with zeal. It doesn’t matter if you are posting mail, copying a bulletin, typing a letter, or making phone calls – it is all for the Lord.
• If you find yourself with a sour attitude, get around enthusiastic people and catch their attitude.
• Grab onto what you do every day and execute it with enthusiasm!

Encouraging consistently

• Someone said, “A smile is a gently curved line that sets a lot of things straight.”
• Someone else said, “A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.”
• Some people are “adders” and some are “takers.” Be an “adder”!
• Speak kind words – look for the good and praise it.
• Do something for another without being asked or when it is unexpected.
• Serving others will improve your attitude – you benefit and the others benefit too.
• Give each other the benefit of the doubt (1Thessalonians 5:14).
• The opposite of encouraging is criticizing …. Be careful about “I can’t believe she …” or “Why did she do it that way?”

Selfless consistently

1 Corinthains 15:31, “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 

• People who are focused on themselves are more likely to react poorly when asked to do something, or have something added to their plate.
• People who are focused on themselves are less likely to make changes for the team than people focused on serving others.
• Ask yourself, “How can I give to others and this ministry?” Not, “What can I get from here?”
• Ask yourself, “How can I do more?” not “How can I do less?”
• Be generous with yourself and your time – “getting” separates; “giving” unites.
• When we remember that we are nothing but a sinner saved by grace, we can turn our attitude around more quickly.

Adaptable consistently

Charles Swindoll said, "Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I live, the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it."

• Our attitude is revealed quickly in adversity—when something doesn’t go our way, or we face obstacles, or when trouble arises. Do you react in the flesh? Or do you respond spiritually?
• Be willing to adapt yourself to the team; be flexible.
• Remain teachable.
• Fear of failure or fear of the unknown is a barrier to being adaptable – we don’t like the feeling of the unknown, so we resist.
• Think not why it can’t be done, but how it can be done.
• Adapt instead of complaining. Does complaining really help? (Philippians 2:14)
• Have a plan for the day, then be willing to change it!

Committed consistently

• Commitment says, “I am not going anywhere.”
• Commitment does not depend on gifts or abilities, but is a choice.
• Are you where you are because you know that is where God has you? Are you called to be where you are? Sometimes as a mom, I struggle with balancing being a mom and working. But I know this is where God has me, so the decisions are easier, and the Lord shows me how it will work—if I am looking for it.
• When you sense a negative spirit, pull apart and spend some time with the Lord so you can evaluate and correct your attitude.

How’s your attitude today? Are you easily entreated?

This is part one of this article. Please click here to read part two or three.