Constancy is a virtue closely related to perseverance, and it is important to understand the difference. Perseverance refers to the strength and firmness a person has in the face of difficulty and comes from a struggle to keep trying despite obstacles, while constancy refers to maintaining a rhythm and developing habits. An example might be: “I am constant in prayer, meaning I pray every day because I persevere in my struggle to achieve holiness.”
Constancy is necessary for perseverance, and this constancy has two enemies that are at opposite extremes of the virtue. On one side, we have inconstancy, which is the tendency to give up easily on doing good when the first needs or obstacles arise. On the other side, we also have stubbornness, which goes hand in hand with pride, and consists of refusing to yield when it is necessary to do so.
Constancy must be developed in order to remain firm in our goals and the decisions we make. It is also an attitude that, although it may be difficult at first, in the end rewards us. For example, if we initially receive a negative response to an idea, it may demotivate or discourage us, but the joy comes at the moment when, by continuing to try every day, we eventually achieve what we desire. This is accomplished by staying focused on the goal, having a clear objective, and, above all, knowing the means we will use to achieve the final result.
In spiritual life, it is necessary to consider these difficulties and also have a clear goal so we do not become discouraged. We must also keep in mind that these difficulties will arise, and they should not surprise us. Instead, we should already have a “Plan B” on how to overcome them.
If we know our weaknesses, we can ask God for the grace to overcome them, and through constancy, they stop being obstacles and become opportunities.
Some tips to develop constancy are:
- Pray, always pray. This prayer can be done alone, with a partner, or in a group. For example, write a specific time for prayer in your schedule. Ideally, it should be at a set time, but if that’s not possible, at least remember to do it at the end of the day during your examination of conscience.
- If we notice that we are becoming lukewarm in our spiritual life, in our relationship with God, or that daily activities are taking time away from God, we should note it in our schedule as a priority and return to our goal. In prayer, we can say: “God, forgive me for leaving you waiting and not attending to you as you deserve, but now I am here starting again.”
- Have a clear understanding of what we desire in order to recognize the obstacles and create a plan to overcome them.
- Use the proper means to help us achieve success. For example, write the objective in a planner or agenda, and read it and reread it every day. When we write down our plans, we focus, visualize, and plan. This makes our goals tangible and implementing them becomes much easier.
- To avoid discouragement, we can set small daily goals. This way, we begin by fulfilling the smaller ones, and then we can move on to the bigger ones.
The main objective of constancy is to remain firm in the decision we have made. If we read the Bible, we find advice like that in Corinthians 15:58, which says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
