What if living according to God's Kingdom principles could transform your life and the world? We spend time wanting to bring change to our community, but often, we do not know where to start. However, embracing kingdom living can shape ourselves while shaping our community. A great verse to begin this discussion highlights the importance of kingdom living, which comes from Matthew 6:23, where Jesus advises us to seek the kingdom and righteousness as a priority. Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, emphasized the Kingdom of God in His ministry, providing a solid foundation for understanding and practicing Kingdom Living. While it is common to focus on the Kingdom of God in this reference, the spirit realm where God reigns, the kingdom here on earth also lives under God's rule by aligning our lives with His will. Consider the prayer, "Let thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." We are essentially saying that we desire to align our life in our physical bodies with God's kingdom in the spirit. Thus, as we await our return to our eternal home, we bring heaven to earth by aligning with God's will.
So, what does kingdom living mean in practice? It means taking a moment to reflect on God's character. Paul refers to God's character in discussing the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He also advises us in Romans 14:17 (NIV) that the "kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." It is easy to exhibit these characteristics in fellowship and worship on Sunday mornings. In the presence of other believers in a formal setting, we naturally show love and kindness and strive for peace. Luke 6:32-33 (NIV) says, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that." We can see that living in the kingdom is about more than just formal worship and loving each other as believers. It is about continuing to exhibit these characteristics when we leave the sanctuary and interact with the world. Whether it be another believer or a non-believer, kingdom living calls us to treat everyone with the same characteristics we find in the fruit of God's spirit. This continuity of kingdom living beyond formal worship instills a sense of commitment and dedication, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
That is how we bring heaven to earth. We bring the Spirit of God to the earth by representing His character and will. When we transform our minds to believe, think, feel, and act like God, we embrace kingdom living. Personal and spiritual growth is fostered as we learn to change our lives. This growth leads us to overcome challenges because we are empowered by kingdom living. Remember, when Jesus said to seek the kingdom and righteousness as a priority, it came with a promise that all our needs would be met. This becomes the catalyst for others who are watching how we live because it is a conversation starter when they see God working in our lives as a result of kingdom living beyond Sunday morning. We are equipped with practical steps to embrace this living, which empowers us for our spiritual growth.
Here lies the power to change our communities. We inspire others to do the same as we transform ourselves and become examples of that transformation—the more our community witnesses this change, the more their mindset shifts. Envision everyone in your neighborhood striving for love, joy, peace, and self-control. Picture your colleagues at work striving for patience, kindness, and goodness. Imagine family gatherings where everyone embodies patience, gentleness, and faithfulness. Our community would reflect God's kingdom because we chose to align ourselves with His principles. Here are some practical ways we can apply kingdom living:
Spiritual Growth: When seeking spiritual growth, focus on deepening your relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and Bible study. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a closer and more substantial relationship with God and encounter His love and direction in every aspect of your life.
Ethical Living: Living a life guided by spiritual principles involves embracing love, compassion, and integrity in every aspect. These virtues allow us to positively influence others and align our lives with our spiritual beliefs and purpose.
Community Engagement: Engaging in activities that promote justice, peace, and well-being in your community is an opportunity to live out your spiritual values. Advocating for justice, promoting peace, and supporting well-being reflect the values of spiritual teachings and allow you to positively impact your community.
In essence, building a community within the church body focused on growth through kingdom living helps promote growth in our communities. This transformation that occurs within us helps to transform the community around us. Thus, by combining our Sunday experience with our Monday through Saturday experience, we become ambassadors of God's kingdom and allow His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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