1-2And now a personal but most urgent matter; I write in the gentle but firm spirit of Christ. I hear that I'm being painted as cringing and wishy-washy when I'm with you, but harsh and demanding when at a safe distance writing letters. Please don't force me to take a hard line when I'm present with you. Don't think that I'll hesitate a single minute to stand up to those who say I'm an unprincipled opportunist. Then they'll have to eat their words. (The Message)
Consistence is something children want from their parents and students want in their teachers. Young people, especially children don't like it when people keep changing the rules or how they are responding to circumstances. The truth is that even adults prefer to deal with others who behave in a consistent way. We don't like to have to spend the emotional time and energy trying to figure out why someone has responded in the way they have that seems different from the norm. In fact when a person is inconsistent in their responses we might call them troubled.
Paul was many things but through out his letters you would find it difficult to build a case against him as being inconsistent. His role is to preach Christ and him crucified and he does everything he can to keep that mission in front of him in all that he does and especially in the ways that he relates to others. Paul's warning here seems a bit out of place until you understand that what he is saying as a parent or teacher might be to a young child. He is basically saying, "you know the rules and what I've said. If you think I won't remind you of those rules when I'm there in person you are mistaken."
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Why do you think some people might have wanted to portray Paul as wishy washy?
- When the people heard Paul's warning what might have been their first thoughts?
- Has anyone ever accused you of being wishy washy?
- How might you become more consistent in your faith and life?
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