19-21 “Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. ‘I have spoken openly to the world,’ Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely they know what I said.’”
John 18:19-21 (NIV)
As a coach, consistency is one of the most significant aspects a player can demonstrate in competition and practice. There’s a trust and reliability that is built up between a player and coach when the player performs consistently day in and day out.
I once heard the winningest coach in NCAA men’s soccer history say that if he had to choose between a player who would be a “nine” one game and then a “four” the next, and a player who was consistently a “seven,” he would take the “seven” every day of the week.
Consistency develops trust, growth and establishes character; and without consistency, you fall short of what you are pursuing.
When Jesus was being questioned about His teachings and His disciples by the high priest after His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, He responded, “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely they know what I said.”
He was then struck in the face by a guard and Jesus answered, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong, but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” (John 18:19-23).
Jesus’ words never changed, He was consistent with His message, His teaching and His conversations, whether in the synagogue or in the upper room with His disciples.
As athletes, it is our goal to be consistent performers, but what about off the field? How consistent are your words, thoughts and actions?
Take a good look at yourself and be honest about your consistency in all aspects of your life.
Leadership expert John Maxwell said in his book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, pg. 73, “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.”
This is so true in sport, life and faith.
Reflect: Athlete, how would your relationship with Jesus change if you spent intentional time with Him each day? What is one small step you can take and repeat daily moving forward with your faith in Christ to become more consistent?
