By most measures what I do for a living is paramount to being a professional carnival worker. I don’t mean to sound demeaning in any way to “Carnies” as they are known. I’m a Carnie… I might be a little more sophisticated or a little more technical but I do exactly what Carnies do.
I go somewhere different each week, setup, participate in the Carnival, tear it down and move onto the next town. That’s really it in a nutshell.
I’m a professional running race timer, we go to running events across the country, setup equipment and tear it down at the end of the day. I’ve made a living doing it for 13 plus years or so. I don’t think too highly of myself in my area of expertise, but I’ve done pretty well at it. I’ve timed some “big time” events in my day. Back in the earlier days some of my Carnie life loving buddies nicknamed me WGT. World’s Greatest Timer… Yes, it’s pretty funny and I still laugh about it.
In no way, shape or form am I the world’s greatest anything and most especially not the world’s greatest timer, but I’ve done well in the profession. I’m mostly unknown in the industry but that’s fine by me. As long as my race directors know and remember me that’s all that matters to maintaining our business.
I’m sitting in an airport right now heading out to Anytown, USA for another event. The reason I’ve been decent can be summed in one word. Consistency. I’ve remained consistent in what I do for all these years and that does get you a reputation of sorts.
This is directly applicable to the man of God. He must be steadfast and sturdy in times of trouble. He must have a reputation as a consistent man. He is consistent in his home, in the way he lives, with his children, with his wife, with his ministry and all things he does in life. If he waivers and crumbles under pressure he blows it. This is not to say he won’t blow it at times. We all will. We all do.
However, he must have a reputation and be thought well of by those that are on the outside. This is consistent with leadership for elders and should be sought after by all men that proclaim to be godly men. It’s straight up easy to understand, but straight up difficult to live out. You can’t do it in your own power. Just like I’m not WGT outside other influences in my life. The guys that slug it out with me day in and day out. I need their help.
Man of God, you need the power of the Holy Spirit and so do I. Everyday, every second of every day. Otherwise, our lives will be inconsistent. Then we need to explore our relationship with God and the Spirit of God in how we live. Is it a matter of just being inconsistent? Is it a “besetting” sin? Or is an unregenerate soul? I don’t know, but it’s worth digging into. Right?
Men, you and I must strive for consistency. We must be set apart as godly men. Even if they don’t appreciate your message, they can’t condemn your life. But if your life is a mess, they will surely condemn your Christ.
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Kevin
Uncommon Faith 