James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The performance of an athlete is predictably unpredictable. The margins are so wide because of human inconsistencies and abilities. The lights of Las Vegas grow brighter because of our inability to even frequently forecast the performance of a professional athlete whose margins are relatively tighter than an amateur. A single digit handicap golfer is capable of shooting a score anywhere from 68 to 88. A professional golfer on the other hand can on occasion post a score in the low 60’s, but will consistently be between 65-70. There are outlier performances no matter the seemingly less variable abilities of a professional. Some days when it just “ain’t there”, he or she may have to sign a card in the mid-70’s. Human performance and behavior is certainly variable.

We serve and worship a God who is supremely consistent in both His mercies and judgments. We have evidence of His current expectations for our life as we read His Word which reveals His will for our life. He desires us to place our faith in His Son as both Lord and Savior. This desire leads to an expectation to be dedicated in prayer, worship and the reading of His Word. There is no confusion. Any opinion which is contrary to His Word is against His prescription for our life.

In 1 Samuel 15:29, we read that, “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” We are assured of the perfection of His will in that He will never have to say “my bad” to His people. His sovereignty and the perfectness of His plan are great truths which we can rely upon.

The margins for the believer’s life and direction are quite slim. Either we are acting in furtherance of our spiritual growth or we are not. Either we are acting to glorify His name and power or we are acting contrary to His Word and command. We live in a world of gray areas, where the verdict of man can be shifting dependent upon the specific judge or political party affiliation. For example, notice the differing sentences for certain crimes. Some drug offenders may be given more time of incarceration than those who have committed murder or other crimes involving violence. Human judges are given the ability to apply discretion and latitude under the laws of the state.

Many times we half-heartedly seek the opinion of man as to the will of God in our lives in matters which we know to be contrary to His direction. When we travail, we desire a merciful judge who renders judgment in our favor. We realize the “understanding of man” is variable and more accepting of sin. Our minds seek a direction to fulfill our own desires for a possibly inconsistent judgment.

The Holy Spirit, however, gives us a realization when our inner desires are sinful. This conviction is not dependent upon our feelings, the winds of political change, or other worldly standards. The plan set out in Genesis is the same plan to be fulfilled in the last days wrote about in the book of Revelation. The consistent nature of our God is worthy of our praise. As we are assured in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”