Trivia question -- Where do 68 million people eat daily, despite having noisy dining rooms (when open), mediocre customer service and generally unhealthy food? McDonald's! In fact, McDonald's is one of the most successful commercial enterprises in history, serving burgers and fries in countries that still lack a Bible in their own language.
What’s their secret? Many analysts believe that the #1 reason for McDonald's success is consistency! Specifically, their burgers, fries, shakes, coffee and McMuffins taste identical whether you visit a franchise in Alabama, Alaska or Argentina. Regardless of your opinion of McDonald's, no one can dispute their consistency. (Isn't it a shame that millions of people that know nothing of Jesus Christ can readily list the ingredients of a Big Mac?)
Ages before Dick and Mac McDonald erected the first golden arches, God was the personification of consistency. “I am the Lord; I do not change” (Mal. 3:6). James describes Him as “the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
God never changes. He has always been perfect, and always does what He says He will do. His promises are kept without exception, and His warnings always prove true. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven…" (Psa. 18:30).
If we desire to please God, we must be consistent in serving Him. Paul wrote, "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). Christians at Smyrna were told, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
So, when it comes to our faith and obedience to God, are we more like McDonald’s – consistently faithful every day, everywhere? Or are we like boxes of assorted chocolates -- we never know what we are going to get?
I thank God for all of you that are consistently faithful to God, day in and day out! Your heavenly Father is pleased!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis `