Do You Floss?
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Every six months, I visit the dentist for a checkup and to have my teeth cleaned. Just last week, I had such a visit. I caught myself several days before my visit considering the notion of flossing. Keep in mind that I had not flossed since my last visit nearly six months before. But, for some reason, I thought that starting a few days before my visit would actually make a difference, like my hygienist couldn’t tell by looking that I had not been flossing. I guess for me it was a way to say “yes” when she asked if I had been performing this ritual regularly. My hygienist reminds me every visit that flossing is the only way to have healthy teeth and gums.
Most of us know the benefits of flossing: it removes plaque, prevents cavities, protects us from gum disease, freshens our breath, and contributes to our overall well-being. Yet, for some reason, it’s easy to skip. It’s not urgent—until a problem shows up. The benefits of flossing are not necessarily immediate but rather happen over time.
I am a consistent person by nature. I thrive with routine and consistency. However, I still find myself struggling for consistency in so many areas of my life. How about you? Exercise. Healthy eating. Quality time with family and friends. Follow through on commitments. Time management.
Ask yourself: How often do I know what I need to do to maintain my relationship with Christ, yet choose not to do it? Why can I not see the benefit? Why does the benefit not overshadow the desire not to do it?
Just like flossing, our walk with the Lord thrives on small, consistent acts of faithfulness: time in prayer, reading Scripture, involvement in church, showing grace, choosing obedience. The benefits of these acts and others like them might not be immediately apparent—but over time, they shape a healthy, vibrant spiritual life.
When we neglect spiritual disciplines, we may not notice a change at first, but in time, we begin to see symptoms such as spiritual dryness or apathy, sin patterns, or simply a drifting heart. This is called rebellion, not a character flaw or a personality quirk. It is sin. We must turn our apathy over to the Lord, work extra hard to say “no” when Satan tempts us to spend time in other ways or simply not do what we should, and strive for consistency. We need it. Our children and those we come in contact with need to see it in us. When we are faithful in the small things, the Spirit works in us deeply, building strength, resilience, and intimacy with God.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the epitome of consistency. During His ministry on earth, Jesus was consistent in His teaching, compassion, love, prayer, character, and calling. Even now, His grace and forgiveness are consistent for each of us, which is such great news! We never have to worry or fear that it’s not.
Just as I think we all desire a healthy mouth and to keep our original teeth, I think we would also want to have a dynamic, growing, healthy relationship with the Lord. We must challenge ourselves and each other daily to live disciplined and consistent lives for Christ so the world sees a difference and wants what we have.
Discipleship costs. It is not free. We must be willing to sacrifice in order to live for Christ. But, we also know that living a disciplined life has many benefits and rewards-a deeper relationship with Him, joy in our daily lives, strength to face trials, freedom from sinful habits, peace and purpose, and bearing fruit. We need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect in our pursuit of Christ. The key is to start and keep striving for consistency.
Call To Action
What steps will you take to be more consistent in spiritual disciplines?
What other areas of your life need consistency? What small steps can you take toward being more consistent in these areas?
Digging Deeper
For other verses on consistency, read: Matthew 5:37, Luke 16:10, Luke 16:13, Galatians 6:9, 1 John 2:3-11, Titus 2:7-8, Malachi 3:6.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be a consistent person, to be faithful in the small things. Even when I don’t feel like it, when I’m tired or distracted, or when it doesn’t feel exciting, help me to be faithful. Build in me a daily rhythm of consistency. Thank You for walking with me every step of the way. Amen.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
