7 Cs of Christian Living, 2

~ How Do You Measure Up?

The book of Ezekiel in general, and the first chapter in particular provides seven key characteristics of a Christian life. In that first chapter Ezekiel is provided with visions. Looking closely we find keys to God-honoring living by His children on earth.

Constant Life  ~  The word “living” is used 40 times in Ezekiel. There is no serving to God apart from spiritual life!

Consistent Life  ~  “Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet” (Ezekiel 1:7a). In the phrase “Their legs were straight” we can see the implication of a straight path as opposed to a wandering journey.

Consecrated Life  ~  “And each one went straight forward” (verse 12a).  The implication of “went straight forward” is a consecrated life. 

Controlled Life  ~  “They went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went” (verse 12b).  The clear implication of “they went wherever the Spirit wanted to go” is that they were Spirit controlled rather than controlled by their own desires and wishes. 

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” (verse 24). They certainly made an impression—they had a convincing life.   

Contemplative Life  ~  “A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings” (verse 25). The implication “they let down their wings” is that they listened to the voice from above and stopped to consider, or contemplate what they heard.

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” (verse 26). In the vision Ezekiel sees the glory of God and we are reminded by the man on the throne that the end of all true service for God is a crown!  

additional comment: The October 25, 2010 Abundant Life Now blog was entitled “7Cs of Christian Living” and was an analysis of Acts 2. Those seven were a Confessing Life, Convicting Life, Converting Life, Constant Life, Continuing Life, Communing Life, and Contagious Life.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW