Today’s Insight: Kingdom living starts with recognizing the spiritual reality of the Kingdom of God, prioritizing its pursuit, acknowledging Jesus as the sovereign King, and embracing radical transformation for enduring joy, love, and peace in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 (CSB)
For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
For many of us, the experience of life in a kingdom ruled by a king is unfamiliar, making the concept of a 'kingdom' somewhat challenging to grasp. Yet, within the Bible one of the central themes is "the Kingdom of God." Therefore, it becomes crucial for us to comprehend the essence of a kingdom. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs us to "seek first the Kingdom of God," emphasizing the priority of this pursuit. Before seeking the Kingdom, we must understand it from a biblical perspective.
The Reign of a Sovereign King
Matthew 6:33 (CSB): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you."
In the Kingdom of God, Jesus is not just a ruler; He holds all authority. Here, submission is not a sign of weakness but a deliberate recognition of the supreme authority of the King. Seeking the Kingdom first means acknowledging Christ's authority in every aspect of our lives and aligning our desires with His sovereign rule.
The Kingdom of God is a Spiritual Reality
Luke 17:21 (CSB): "Neither will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the Kingdom of God is in your midst."
Living in the Kingdom of God poses a challenge; we can't step into a physical location and declare, "I'm in the Kingdom of God." Anywhere that Jesus is reigning and ruling is the Kingdom of God. Kingdom living begins in our hearts. However, we can consecrate a physical location and experience that area being the Kingdom of God to some degree. But it’s crucial to understand that the Kingdom of God is primarily found in those who choose to make Jesus their Lord and King.
Embracing Kingdom Living
Galatians 2:20 (CSB): "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Living in the Kingdom involves a radical transformation—a death to self and a resurrection to Christlikeness. It is a daily surrender to the authority of Christ, recognizing that we no longer live for ourselves but for the One who reigns over the Kingdom. Obedience to His Word, trust in His provision, and reliance on His protection become the hallmarks of a life lived under the Kingdom authority rule of Jesus.
There is nothing quite like Kingdom living. It's not a life that is trouble-free, but rather a life that equips us to navigate the troubles of this world. In the Kingdom, we recognize that the struggles, heartaches, and problems of this world are temporary, stemming from the fall. When we wear the lenses of the Kingdom of God, we see through the temporary to the eternal and realize that our present struggles are developing spiritual grit and sanctification. As you seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, be encouraged; this is an eternal pursuit that fills you with the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit in every circumstance.