Philemon and Apphia had a non-Christian worker who let them down big time. Whether Onesimus cheated on them or stole from them, we don’t know. Anyway, he took off, landed in Rome, was arrested, and was taken into custody. Just as God would have it, Onesimus encountered Preacher Paul, who was also behind bars. Paul wasn’t there for tax evasion, DUI charges, or embezzling church funds. He was in custody for preaching Christ.
Why would the former Saul of Tarsus be speaking compassionately to the run-away and now incarcerated worker (euphemism for slave) in the next cell? Why would he bother? In those dark days, there were millions of slaves in the Roman Empire, and society tragically believed they were of no more value than a meagre piece of property. Often, they were treated cruelly.
Why? Because Paul was now a Christian, and Christianity changes perspectives and values. Paul loved Onesimus and assured him that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of all kinds. Onesimus received Christ as his personal Saviour and his life was also changed. He became a Christian.
Upon Onesimus’ release from prison, Paul wrote a personal letter to his Christian friend, Philemon, asking him to welcome back the former slave with open arms – not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul then wrote these words:
Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Philemon 1:21
Did you notice the word knowing in that verse? Paul knew Philemon and Apphia’s track record. They were Christ-like in their consistency, obedience and faithfulness. He had observed their pattern of behaviour. They were very predictable and consistent in doing what was good and right. They didn’t just do the bare minimum because they had to. This couple had a pattern of cheerful obedience – not reluctant, dragging-your-feet obedience with a forced smile. This Christian couple were of the kind that went above and beyond the call of duty. They were extra-mile believers. Because of their consistent track record, Paul wrote his letter with confidence, knowing that they would do even more than he asked.
Do other believers see me this way? Do the elders of the local church have confidence in me? Can they count on me to always be there? If others were as consistent as I am and put as much into fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities as I do – would the gathering of believers thrive or shrivel? Am I consistently dependable? Or am I on fire for the Lord for two weeks after a Bible conference, and then it all fizzles out? Am I gung-ho for a month or two but quickly lose interest? Do I have the record of a yo-yo, or with God’s help and with the strength He provides, am I consistent and predictable? Can I be counted on by others to fulfil what is expected of me?
What does a consistent Christian look like?
The Apostle Paul gave these Christians an A+ for consistency, cheerful obedience, and going the extra mile. What does my report card look like? Can others count on me in a time of need because I have established a track record of being faithful and reliable since I was saved or restored to the Lord?
The Proverb so graphically describes the antithesis of consistency: “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” Proverbs 25:19 NLT
One of the beautiful features of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ was His consistency. Every hour of every day, His behaviour was consistent with His words. Everything He did was pleasing to His Father. Jesus said: “I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29 His responses to circumstances and situations were predictable and consistent.
“Lord, help me to be a consistent Christian in 1) my devotion to Christ, 2) in my service to others and 3) in shining for You in this dark world.”
