One Important Thing That Never, Ever Changes
Change is constant in our world today. People’s opinions are constantly changing, the stock market is constantly changing, even the weather is constantly changing! In case you were wondering, students are constantly changing, too. No two school days are alike—for this teacher, anyway. Each class period is a little different each day, and honestly, that’s one of the things that keeps my job interesting. So most of the time, I don’t mind the constant change in this case. 🙂
I’m thinking about one student in particular who is really up and down as far as his thoughts and opinions of me. Some days, I’m his favorite person in the world. Other days, I’m number one on his list of enemies. For example… Last week, this boy wanted to argue with everything I told him. I actually sent him to the office, and I neverrr send students to the office. Then yesterday, he came in acting like we’re best buddies. He was joking around, getting his work done, and asking permission for things that he’d usually just mischievously do without checking first.
When he left my classroom yesterday, I found myself thinking about how up and down he is. Some of this is just part of being a kid, ya know? Teenagers are growing and maturing, and in that process, their emotions are sometimes all over the place. But if we’re being realistic, that’s true about all of us. We are imperfect people who have ups and downs. While some may be more steady and consistent than others, nobody is perfectly patient, respectful, kind, attentive and helpful at all times.
But there sure is something to be said for consistency. When it comes to my students, it’s always a guessing game at the start of each class period. Will they be focused? Will they be ready to work hard? Will that one especially influential student be on her A-game today? You might think the same thing about a couple of your coworkers, friends or even family members. As you’re pulling up in the driveway of the family birthday celebration, you wonder, hmmm will my sister be kind and agreeable today? or will she be in one of her argumentative moods? The ups and downs of the people around us can be challenging.
But guess who never has ups and downs? Who we never have to wonder about? You already know what’s coming here…. GOD. God is consistent. He stays the same, and He has been staying the same since before the creation of the earth.
“I the Lord do not change.” -Malachi 3:6a
That’s that! He does not change. We don’t have to worry about how He’ll react to certain situations going on in our lives. He is consistent! James 1:16 says He is not like the shifting shadows. Shadows flicker, move around and even disappear sometimes. God stays the same. His character is constant.
For example, look at all these different times God responded to people’s fear and uncertainty:
When Jacob was on the run after deceiving his father and inciting his brother’s anger, God said:
- “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” -Genesis 28:15
When Moses was asking God for help with leading the nation of Israel, God said:
- “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” -Exodus 33:14
When Moses died, and Joshua was officially stepping into his (big) shoes as the Israelites’ leader, God told him:
- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
When Jesus’ disciples were about to watch Him leave their physical presence and ascend into Heaven, He told them:
- “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20b
When God’s people placed their attention on Him in times of transition and unpredictability, God never said, “Well, to be honest, my patience is running thin today. I’m going to let you try this one out on your own and see what you can do.” NO! Every time, He promised to be with His people. Why? Because He is consistent. He is our patient and faithful guide. He is accessible and omnipresent. He does not inhabit any one of these characteristics more on one day and less on another. His character is unchanging because He is unchanging.
As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, what a comfort that is for us. You never have to wake up wondering how God will decide to act today. I wonder that about my students all the time! As I drive to work in the early morning hours, I sometimes think to myself… Will _______ be in a good mood today? I sure hope so. I wonder if _______ is still mad that I sent him to the office yesterday? Yikes, that class could be interesting today. Or what about my coworker? I wonder if she’ll come to work with more patience today or if I’ll have to overhear her hollering at her students all day long.
With God, there is no mystery when it comes to His character. He is the same—always. What a gift, what a blessing, what a comfort, and what a relief. Thank you, God, for your consistency.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. -Hebrews 13:8