A. W. Tozer explains, “A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen, talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see, expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order to be full, admits he is wrong so he can be declared right, goes down in order to get up, is strongest when he is weakest, richest when his is poorest and happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, gives away so he can keep, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible and knows that which passeth knowledge.” The book of Ephesians presents three pictures of the Christian.

The first picture is the Christian sitting. Ephesians 2:6-9 reads, “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the give of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Romans 8:22-23 reads, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of the body.” Here we see the Christian’s heavenly position in waiting. This speaks of your value to God.

The second picture is the Christian walking. Ephesians 4:1-3 reads, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Micah 6:8 reads, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Here we see the Christian’s humble practice of walking. This speaks of your venture before men.

The third picture is the Christian standing. Ephesians 6:10-14a reads, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore...” Here we see the Christian’s holy plan for warring. This speaks of your victory over Satan.

Dear Christian, carry on!

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.