Richard L. Evans
The Spoken Word
8 March 1964
CONSISTENCY— AND KEEPING STANDARDS
May we consider a moment the question of consistency— consistency as to keeping standards as contrasted with the letdowns of life.
Sometimes after long effort, long work, we may look to a change of pace, and ask ourselves when can we relax? When can we let down in life? There must be some diversions. We cannot drive all the time, nor be on tension all the time.
On the other hand, we can never afford to become careless. We can ill afford to sacrifice quality. We can never afford to sacrifice safety. We cannot afford, ever, to let down in the basic standards of life. The moment we begin to cut corners, the moment we begin to let things run a little too loose, we could have real reason for regret.
Sometimes people perform the same service so long that it becomes routine to them— so much so that they fail to give due attention to it, fail to check, fail to take precautions, or to provide a sufficient margin of safety. On this point Publius Syrus left these words of warning: “He is most free from danger, who even when safe, is on his guard.” The moment anyone fails to proceed according to proved and sound standards, or to take sufficient precautions he could have dangerous difficulties.
We all need relaxation and physical and mental refreshment. But there is no time in any person’s life, at any age, young or old, when he can afford to let down as to standards of excellence or honor or honesty as to morals and conduct and commandments. “Without consistency there is no moral strength.” And age or boredom or routine or fatigue are no real reason for letting down standards. It is too great a responsibility to become careless in conduct or to cut corners or ignore conscience, or to become lax in any procedure where safety or standards of honor or excellence are concerned.
“The secret of success,” said Disraeli, “is constancy of purpose.” Always we ought to be our better selves. And all of us, at any age, would well avoid carelessness, substandard performance, or the unwise, hazardous letdowns of life. Enduring to the end is still the great and satisfying source of safety— and salvation.