We hear this word talked about, but we truly have no idea what it means. We are used to the person who gets the most votes winning… but this isn’t what a kingdom is all about.
Kingdoms have a king and the king rules. It doesn’t matter if you like the king’s rules or not. It doesn’t matter if you agree. It doesn’t matter if you have a better idea or not. The king doesn’t need your opinion or your ideas to rule or reign. He is quite capable doing that on his own. That’s why he’s the king.
If you are a Christian, you are part of a kingdom. You are not in a democracy. Your vote is not going to change the mind of God. You are called to operate according to the wishes and the rule of the king. When you became a Christian, you made a decision to come under the rule of a King… in fact, you came under the rule of the King of all kings (See Revelation 19:16)
Now, let’s consider the life that we choose to live. We are operating in the kingdom of God. We exist to build up His kingdom. However, sometimes the only kingdom that we are trying to build up is our own. We work tirelessly for money or position or favor in the eyes of man. Some even compromise their integrity or the rules of the greater kingdom to build up their own personal kingdoms. Then, they look around and wonder why “life isn’t working”.
I love what Jesus said in Matthew chapter six.
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25
He ultimately is saying that this personal “kingdom” you are building… don’t worry about it.
Phew! That’s a load off. If Jesus said it, I’ll do it. I will just wipe away all worry from my life. (Yeah right! Easier said than done. The bills keep coming in. The stress on the family continues to increase. The neighbors keep getting newer and nicer cars and you’re still driving around that 1982 pick up truck!)
Well, this is the crossroad that we all reach. How do we react and what do we do when we come across a teaching that is difficult for us to implement? We are told not to be worried, but are tempted continuously to do this very thing. We are told that purity should be a priority, but everywhere we turn there is something wearing down that standard. We are told to believe in God, but are faced with a barrage of doubters and skeptics each day. How do we stay strong?
Jesus tells us in this same chapter how this can be done after he talks about the worries of food in our stomach and clothes on our back. Listen to what He says…
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
When we are tempted to worry about our bank accounts… focus on God’s Kingdom and He’ll take care of it.
When we are tempted to stress out over the clothes in our closet… focus on God’s Kingdom and He’ll take care of it.
In fact, with everything in your life that causes stress, we have to remember where we exist. We are part of a kingdom and there is a King on the throne. The King rules and He rules justly. Everything that He does is good. He stands for what is right and is committed to your life. He will rule your life with gentleness, love, grace and justice… if you’ll let Him.
Today and every day, say a simple sentence. Let it be the way that you start and end your day. Simply say this..
“God, you are the King of my life and I choose to let you reign through my decisions today and every day.”
At first, it won’t be easy. But as you see Him rule and reign in your life, you will trust Him and follow Him. Choose to live your life in the kingdom… there’s no better place to be!
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Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 6:25-33 is about worry, yet a worry that is dedicated, as you say, to “working tirelessly for money” or better food, drink, or clothes. The anxiety here seems to be linked with desiring the better things of life, and thus sowing, reaping, and gathering into barns (unlike the birds, in 6:26), or toiling and spinning (unlike the flowers, in 6:28). Jesus concludes in 6:32 that the Gentiles are seeking all these things (working hard to gain the better things in life).
Great insight! Absolutely. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the Gentiles who were seeking after these things though. I’m reminded of the Jewish man Zacchaeus (Luke 19) who was conditioned to put “stuff” before “God” and then even Matthew, who was Jewish, who had to make a big decision of leaving it all to follow after Jesus (Matthew 4). This same thing that the Gentiles and Jews were facing in the first century is the same thing that we all face today. Who is first? Is it stuff… security… basic needs… Or, is it Him? I know I am striving to put Him first in ALL things. It’s not an easy thing to do, but I believe that there’s no better way to live! Thanks for the comment!
GP