Articles
Effectiveness
“The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
There are few things in life that are as satisfying as when a plan works out. When a need has been found, a plan has been crafted, and everything falls into place so that we get the results we wanted, we all feel as though we’ve really done something. But in the real world, that happens less frequently than we would hope. We either fail to see needs, fail to plan solutions appropriately, fail to take necessary steps, fail, fail fail… that’s real life. Sometimes, it may seem that, through no fault of our own, we just don’t get the results we desire. We’ve all been there, left scratching our heads.
However, there is something that always hits the mark. A thing that always achieves the desired result. Something that is perfectly effective. That is the word of God. Consider the words of Isaiah:
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Is. 55:10-11)
We understand what he’s saying. God’s word always has its intended effect in the heart of men. But we also understand that there are really only two effects. Either it further hardens the worldly, selfish heart, or it pierces the contrite, tender, searching heart. God’s word is polarizing to be sure, but it is effective.
You knew that though, didn’t you? We can read through our Bibles and see those who rejected the Lord’s invitation, and we see penitent sinners who were searching for the very thing God offers: redemption.
Look around today. The world is very much the same as it has always been. People are searching, others are selfish. God’s word is still very much alive and able to fulfill it’s work in the hearts of man. It is effective. May it have a positive effect in your heart and life.
