Effectiveness

~ 6 Cs Of An Effective Christian Life From Ezekiel 1 ~         

The book of Ezekiel is about the glory of God sitting on His throne.  It is all about His presence. One interesting aspect of this book is we find the word “living” at least 40 times. It is clear from Scripture that there is no effectiveness in the Christian life unless one pays strong attention to his spiritual life. Physical activity without spiritual depth is ineffective in God’s view.

This book, like the entire canon of Scripture, is directly from God Himself. “The word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there” (Ezekiel 1:3).

A Consistent Life  ~  “Their legs were straight” (1:7a). They were careful where they went and they walked uprightly in a manner pleasing to God.  

A Consecrated Life  ~  “And each one went straight forward” (v. 12). They made their personal desires secondary to the will of God. The clear implication is an unwavering in their decision to follow God.  

A Controlled Life  ~  “They went wherever the Spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went” (v. 12b). They made their personal desires secondary to the will of God.  

A Convincing Life  ~  “When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings” (v. 24). They were noticed by those around. 

A Contemplative Life  ~  “A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings” (v. 25).  The implication is taking time aside to rest, reflect, and listen to God above. 

A Crowned Life  ~  “And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it” (v. 26). The end of all true service for God is a crown!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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