In this season, it is imperative that as followers of Jesus Christ, we understand that we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light through faith in Christ (Col. 1:13). What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God, and then all these things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33)? What is the Kingdom? As followers of Christ, citizens of another world, how do we live in this world that is filled with evil and headed toward destruction? Let’s look at God’s word together.
- For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power (1 Cor. 4:20).
- Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe (Heb. 12:28).
- I’m not asking that you take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world any more than I do. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world (John 17:15-16, 18).
- So, we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Cor. 5:20).
Heading for destruction
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior (Phil. 3:18-20).
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth (Col. 3:1-2).
What is the Kingdom? To have a kingdom, there must be a king. The Kingdom is the King’s rule in the human heart that changes the way we live. The Kingdom is both already and not yet. The Kingdom was inaugurated at the coming of Christ, and something we will enter fully in the future (Matt. 25:31-46). Be encouraged, my friend, as you prioritize the King of Kings, “all these things” will be added to you. He will provide for you out of His kingdom riches (Phil. 4:19). When this season gets beyond frustrating to you, stop and remember: The King is on the throne! You are valuable to him. Yes, you are essential to the heart of God and He will take care of you!
A word of caution!
Don’t allow yourself to be obsessed with this world. Satan is called the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). This world calls evil good and good evil; they brag about shameful things and only think about life on this earth, but not you. You are a temporary resident on this earth but a permanent citizen of Heaven.
With all that is going on in the world right now, it’s easy to be consumed by it. It’s easy to be obsessed with how broken things are, how unlike Heaven this earth is right now. Lot was vexed by the evil around him day in and day out (2 Peter 2:8). Hear my heart, my brother and my sister: Fix your eyes on the King. We have one role while on this earth – ambassadors of another Kingdom, representatives of the love of God. Our calling is to bring light into the darkness. Don’t be surprised by the darkness around you. Don’t be shocked by how politically polarized our nation has become; instead – shine there! (Matt. 5:14). Jesus said we are not of this world any more than He was of this world, but we are sent into this world, just as the Father sent Him. Let’s follow His lead. What did Jesus do? He walked around, empowered by the Holy Spirit, doing good, seeking to save the lost, healing those who hurt (Acts 10:38). We have a part to play in this world – it’s representing the interests of the King.
