God Has Something To Say -- From Ezekiel 18

God has something to say.

Imagine a righteous man who always does what is right:

First, he worships Me exclusively; he doesn't indulge in gluttony or excess, nor does he worship idols like money or success—he doesn't even think about it! He puts God first above everything else; money, sex, success, relationships. Nothing gets in the way of God.

Second, he does not sleep with anyone but his wife. He doesn’t have sex before He is committed to His wife.  He doesn’t watch porn. He is in control of His sexual appetite.

Third, he does not persecute or abuse anyone; he gives back to those he owes and does not seize poorer men’s property. He isn’t a jerk, he doesn’t abuse others physically or psychologically, and he doesn’t take advantage of others. He repays his debts.

Fourth, he tends to the poor; he clothes the naked and gives his bread to the hungry  and doesn’t charge those poor people who borrow from him interest or keep their profits.  He helps those who need help: the poor, the homeless, the orphan, the widow. He is generous and genuinely wants to see others alleviated from their suffering. He thinks about people before profits and cares about lifting people up rather than keeping them down.

Fifth, he is law-abiding; he does not participate in wrong deeds and is fair toward all others. He cares that people get what they deserve, that those who do evil are punished and those who do good are rewarded. He always hear people out. He never lets his hand or tongue slip into deceit, theft, or violence.

Sixth, he is obedient to Me, living by My statutes and faithfully keeping My laws.  His relationship with God is not just a sunday thing or a show; it is the real deal and it is lived out and showed through his actions every day of the week. While everyone else is gossiping, cheating, and getting drunk; the righteous man is one of integrity, he is different.

This man who is righteous, he is one who lives in perfect relationship with those around him, who loves God and loves his neighbor as himself, who carries an internal shalom with him and brings it everywhere he goes—he will surely live, and live life abundantly.

This is what God says.