First, notice how Webster defines the word that we may have a better idea what we are talking about.

Consistency (n.) - an indefinite degree of density or viscosity; agreement or harmony of all parts of a complex thing among themselves, or of the same thing within itself at different times; congruity, agreement, or harmony.

And the root word is consist which means “to stand, hold together or remain fixed.”

Who was it that exclaimed, “Oh! Consistency, thou art a jewel!” I do not seem to be able to put my finger on it at the moment, but the point I wish to make is that I have made a 180 degree turn in my thinking about what the man had in mind. Until recently, I have thought the man was aiming his sarcasm at all those who act inconsistent. Now, I am firmly convinced that it was aimed at the ridiculous things we do sometimes in order to be or appear to be consistent. Another quote or two will show you what I mean, and then I will take our lesson to the bible.

“With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with a shadow on the wall.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Those who honestly mean to be true, contradict themselves more rarely than those who try to be consistent.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

This is not to condemn consistency as such, but rather to point up just what it is we are trying to be consistent with. Are we trying to be consistent with truth? Or are we trying to be consistent with some former idea and/or action?

Now, for a plain bible example of what we are talking about: The Apostle Paul was inconsistent in his action in having Timothy circumcised and then refusing to circumcise Titus. But he was eminently consistent with truth in both cases. In fact, in order to be consistent with truth in the latter case, he had to just forget about being consistent with his action in the former. Evidently, THAT is just what he did. For nowhere do we find him trying to explain his action from the standpoint of consistency. I have tried to show the reason for his actions in a former article, and I will not try to do so here. If you will read Acts 16:1-3 and Galatians 2:1-5 and think about it a little, you should be able to see the reason for the action in both cases. I think another quote will sum the matter up very aptly.

John Hunter said, “Never ask me what I have said or what I have written, but if you will ask me what my present opinions are, I will tell you.” Consistency is not just making the actions of today tally with those of yesterday. The test of reality is to have the actions of today represent the convictions now dominant in the heart. Let us each strive to escape hypocrisy on the one hand and to avoid absolute stagnation on the other. To the girl wishing to tempt Augustine astray saying, “I am the same,” he replied, “But I am not. I am a new man.”

- Elder Virgil Lowrance

I continue to glean interesting articles for the blog from the Autobiography and Selected Writings of Elder Virgil F. Lowrance that was given to me by sister Henrietta Clayton.

- Elder Daniel Samons