Object Constancy vs. Jumping Ship

Real Dudes,
I recently heard the term Object Constancy used on a sports show. I was intrigued, because this term meant so much to this host that it had become so ingrained in his DNA. He was so passionate about it that even his co-hosts could repeat it before he even spit it out. For those of you, like myself, who are hearing this term for the first time, here’s what it means…
One author states that, “Object constancy is the ability to retain a bond with another person — even if you find yourself upset, angry, or disappointed by their actions.”
This made me think of a situation in God’s Word where object constancy wasn’t practiced. In Acts 15:36-41 we read that the Apostle Paul and Barnabas parted ways because of a disagreement. John Mark had deserted Paul previously on their first missionary trip. Barnabas was willing to look past those previous actions and give John Mark a second chance. Whereas, Paul was adamant that John Mark not travel with them this time because he felt like he would “jump ship” once again. What ended up happening was that Barnabas and John Mark went one way, and Paul chose Silas and the two of them went a different way.
So who, then, are examples of object constancy in the Bible? The first that comes to mind is Hosea. Despite his wife being unfaithful to him, he still took her back when she was ready to return. Such a powerful illustration of God's relationship with the people of Israel, who repeatedly turned away from him to worship idols. And yet, God was always faithful and willing to receive them when they returned to Him. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Second Timothy 2:13 (NLT) that “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” So, as I just mentioned, the last person who comes to mind is the Lord. Regardless of our times of unfaithfulness to Him, He is not anticipating the moment He can jump ship on us. He is the PERFECT example of Object Constancy. When we grieve Him…He is faithful. When we choose to sin against Him…He is faithful and just to forgive us. When we abandon Him for a time…He is awaiting our return, and welcomes us home with arms open wide.
What’s sad is that this past week I’ve seen some close friends of mine jump ship because of some things that are happening in our world. Where are you at with everything? How are you doing? We’ve had to face some tough stuff that we weren’t necessarily prepared for, so how have you responded to it all? Have you jumped ship and deserted a brother or sister in Christ because of some differences expressed?
Let me encourage each of us to pray about how we can retain a bond with others, even if they may disagree with us. Even if they’re not as passionate about something as you are. Even if they have at some point along the way deserted you. Will you practice faithfulness in these situations? Listen, Satan would love nothing more than for our country, churches and families to divide over anything. Let’s not give Satan a foothold in any of it (Ephesians 4:27). Pray about it. See what God reveals about your heart attitude right now. And thank Him for His never-ending Faithfulness to you. If He’ll always be faithful to you, then how should you respond to others? Object Constancy.
Practicing His Presence,
Nate Smith
Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
John 1:16 (CSB) Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness,
Link to the definition of Object Constancey above… https://psychcentral.com/disorders/borderline-personality-disorder/object-constancy-understanding-the-fear-of-abandonment-and-borderline-personality-disorder ​