Living With Purpose
Never in history has one earthly kingdom ever ruled the world. At its peak, just before World War I, the British covered one-sixth of the earth’s surface. It was said that “the sun never sets on the British Empire”. Going back to the Roman Empirical force in 117 A.D., it reached its peak governing 100 million people through Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Kingdoms have come and gone. And some are only a fraction of what they once were. The Lord’s Prayer invokes that God’s Kingdom should rule over all one day. Matthew 6:10 says, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” When we pray “Your Kingdom come” we’re asking for a full-out invasion of God’s Divine army. Are we prepared for this? Is there something we should be doing to prepare ourselves for it? We must understand that things will change radically. Who will then make the “laws of the land”? Who will be the judge of all the statutes? There will be no more executive orders by earthly rulers. Christ alone will be the King of Kings!
If you believe in Christ you can imagine him now as our righteous Judge and Lawgiver, seated with his disciples on the mountain top. Jesus has been interpreting the law for some time now. He says, “Love your enemies” and “Do good to them that hate you”. The fine points of this Divine Kingdom go far beyond any of man’s laws and even beyond the Law of Moses. They search the heart, the motives for what we do, as well as our actions.
If we decide to pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” then we must accept that many other small kingdoms and ruling factions will be pushed back. The world seems to be threatened by everything that comes from Christ. The ultimate rule and reign of Jesus will always face opposition. His mission to bring the Kingdom to this world puts him and all his followers on a collision course with some powerful forces.
Christ has interpreted God’s Kingdom law for us. It’s our turn now to be interpreters of the law of love. The Bible says, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). The great commandment that Christ gave us is to love. Nothing will influence the world more than the genuine concern we hold for others if we show them that we love them.
Effective workers for God’s Kingdom understand the words of II Corinthians 6:1, “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” Therefore, we must “Get Counsel from Christ”. You may often wonder what it is you can do to build His Kingdom. In your own strength you can do more harm than good. You must depend on the Holy Spirit. He will lead you to the right place, at the right time, and help you say the right thing to the right person.
The second step in building the Kingdom is to “Give Compassion like Christ”. Jesus had compassion on the heavy laden, the lonely, the less fortunate, and the lost. Christians should feel compassion and empathize with the struggles of others. You have to put yourself in their place to truly understand their needs. As we give love, others will be blessed (1 Peter 3:8).
The next step is to “Gain Confidence through Christ”. It isn’t more self-confidence the timid Christian needs, it’s more God-confidence. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. It’s through prayer, God’s Word, and faith that you can recognize the power of God’s Kingdom. His power, purpose, and presence will enable you to become effective.
The final step is to “Go Courageously for Christ”. You must give of your time, talent, and treasure. You have to be faithful in church attendance and financial support. Be ready to share Christ with others and understand he will go with you through death and be with you in the life to come (Isaiah 41:10).
How can you be a “Kingdom bringer” and a part of the invading force? By following the four steps I’ve given and by forgiving someone you’ve been resenting, confronting someone you’re afraid of and demonstrating humility when everyone else is trying to climb the ladder of fame and fortune. Receive God’s grace and power today. And know that one day soon, “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow” (Philippians 2:10).
• This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, Univ. of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida and is a Captain (CPT) in the U.S. Army Reserves Chaplain Corp. Matt can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.
