II. HOW SHOULD I THEN LIVE?

“My Kingdom Is Not Of This World”

Jesus lived the principles of the Kingdom of God while he was on earth but he didn’t try and build the Kingdom of God here.  He was the demonstration of the difference between the two.  Many folks try to build the kingdom of heaven here on earth…in reality it is their kingdoms that they are building. 

The true Kingdom of God is presented in Jesus and has his characteristics. 

The Kingdom of God is eternal not temporary.  No kingdom of man will last.  It is not something to be fought for or defended.  It is not something to be forced on others.  It is not about privilege or advancement.  It is not about material gain.  It is about allowing God will to rule in the lives of all who call him Lord.  It is about obedience to the commandments of God.  It is about the true fruit that will grow from that relationship.

As I read through the Bible and study the history of Christianity I observe that people truly committed to God, who allow Him to rule their wills and obey Him don’t fair well on earth; from Jesus, to the apostles, to the early church.  The true Christian life is one of sacrifice, humility, obedience, and persecution.  In the eyes of the world these are not aspects of success or the abundant life.  But true followers of Jesus don’t look through the eyes of the world.  Their eyes are focused on Jesus and the vision he proclaims of God’s Kingdom to come.  In light of that vision all else seems dim.  In light of that vision how should I then live?

“Aspire to live quietly, and mind my own affairs,

And work with my hands, so that I may walk

Properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

I Thessalonians 4:11