If we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but we do consistently.

~Anthony Robbins

I find it ironic that several appointments last week impeded my consistency and a delay in my post on consistency. We may have control over certain aspects of our lives, but annual doctor appointments are apparently not one of them.

I do agree that consistent actions can add direction and control to our lives. But, only within the parameters of the predetermined path our lives follow.

In fact, most of the time our consistent actions get us into trouble.

The words consistent and consistency do not appear in the NIV translation. But, I did receive suggested verses. For consistent, 1 John 2:1-2 popped up.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

This verse indicates to me that most of the time my most consistent action is to sin. That kind of control in my life is not directed by God's will, but my own will. I shudder even as I type that truth.

How do I turn that consistent action into consistency? Here is the verse that appeared when I searched for that word.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

There is consistency's true goal.

• Stand firm.

• Work for the Lord.

With these two consistencies in mind, I have a better chance of keeping my most consistent actions under control.