Good Each Time
By Toby Crowder
Mitchell County
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Cor 15:58
Consistent. What does that word mean to you? Regardless of our personal definitions, according to Miriam-Webster the word consistent means “of the same quality; good each time.” While the word consistent does not appear in the KJV Bible… the word steadfast appears 11 times and in Greek means “firm and immoveable.” In the verse we just read, Paul is encouraging his beloved brethren to be firm and immovable in their work and witness for the Lord. As he brings this chapter to a close, he is reminding them to be consistent!
This month we will celebrate Father’s Day, a day that we support, encourage, and applaud those men in our lives who we recognize as leaders in the home, family, and in our churches. I for one, am thankful for the influence of my father and some steadfast men that I have been honored to have in my family and my life… Men who I remember as being “of the same quality” … day in and day out. To borrow from the above definition, they were “good each time.”
Some time back, I was able to speak to a lady that I had not seen in several years, whose father had been a leader in my home church when I was growing up. As we began to reminisce, I told her some things that I remembered about her father and his faithfulness to our church. As I spoke, I noticed that she was visibly touched… and later told me that she was very thankful that I “remembered that about her daddy.”
What is unique, is that this man passed away many years ago and has been in Heaven for at least 30 years, yet I still remembered things about him that brought his family joy. His faithfulness to God, his quick smile, and the love that he had for others were very evident to me, even at a young age. Why? Because he was steadfast, consistent, “firm and immovable” in his faith. He was “good each time.” The life that he lived and the testimony that he carried made a lasting impression on my life, and to this day I remember him fondly as a man of faith and Christian love.
Many will remember their Dad as a leader in the home. If not, then possibly you recognize a male role model such as a grandfather, uncle, brother, or some other church or family member. This is someone whose paths we can follow, and that our children can see as an example. This should be a Christ-like example since the way children view their fathers influence how they will view God in many ways. A child is blessed if they have a Godly father… and likewise is a father blessed with children who love and respect him.
Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Psalm 127:3-4 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”
Men… Father’s Day is a day to be recognized. A day to receive gratitude from those who support, love, and need you. But also, may it be a day of realization! A reminder that things are vastly different in 2021 than they were 30 years ago, and there is a genuine need for men to step up and be the men of God that we so desperately need in our homes and churches. What will be said about you in 30 years? Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Delight yourself in the Lord and continue to be steadfast for Him. Paul told the church at Corinth that their labour was not in vain in the Lord… and let me assure you … neither is yours!
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Toby Crowder serves as Pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. He and his wife Leslie have been married for 26 years and have two daughters, Emilee, and Katy. He can be contacted via the church’s website MCfamilyforChrist.org or mtcarmelsprucepine@gmail.com
You can read more good Christian news at www.blueridgechristiannews.com.
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