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Kingdom Purposes: God's Will and Reign in Your Life
I know of all times you would expect me to write on goals it would be now at the beginning of the year. I'll table that for a bit. Right now, top of mind for most of us is how we'll survive the coming year. We are trying not to be anxious and to remember the scripture. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," 1 Peter 5:7, (NIV).
We are trying not to be fearful, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV).
We are trying to trust, because the scripture says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight," Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
However, this message isn't about our trying or striving; it is about our identity and our being.
The Kingdom of God is Within Us
As 2009 commences, I'd like to remind us of a few things and encourage us in the living out of those things. First and foremost is that the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke. 17:21). This means that the reign, rule, authority and influence of God are within us. Who we are and who we are becoming are linked to our lives in and under the influence of God, thus of His Kingdom.
God's Will for Who You are to Be
When I was first trying to understand my purpose in life, I approached it as many do, trying to understand God's will. My questions were "What is God's will for my life?" "What is it He expects from me?" "Why did He create me?"
My early responses were that God's will for me was to glorify Him, as the scripture says, "be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," 1 Thessalonians. 5:16-18 (NIV).
I tried to walk in the truth that I was learning. At the core, how I respond to God with who I am is part of why God created me, not just what I do. If I do nothing else, I am fulfilling God's will.
Kingdom Influence for God
I also learned that God put man on the earth to rule it. This was a key to God's influence on the earth. If I am a daughter of the King, if I am one of His followers, this will be evident by my conduct, which is powered by my thoughts and my heart (Rom. 12:1-2). This, in turn, demonstrates my commitment to what I ascribe to, which in turn influences my world. I learned that God was more pleased with my obedience than with my sacrifice. We all know that sacrifice is sometimes much easier and more convenient than obedience.
Doing the Will of God Will Accomplish His Purposes
My motivation to follow Jesus and His ways is a demonstration of the love I have for the King I serve. My willingness to obey and to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me is pleasing to my God and King but will also influence others. When I think of Kingdom influence, I am reminded of the Lord's Prayer and Jesus' guide for us:
". . . Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you . . ." Matthew 6:9-14 (NIV).
That part about "Your Kingdom come - Your will be done". . . that part starts with us. It starts with our doing the will of God. His Kingdom, His rule, His reign, His influence come in part through me, through us, as we do His will. How can I pray, "Your Kingdom come" and not be a willing vessel to God's coming Kingdom?
Bring About God's Reign Through Your Influence on Others
What am I willing to become and do to bring about God's Kingdom? Am I willing to give myself fully to God? To be ruled by God's Spirit? When I am, the fruit of His Spirit is evident: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23). Am I willing to obey rather than sacrifice? Am I willing to partner with God in what He has entrusted to me? When I am and when I do, this in turn brings about God's Kingdom on earth.
As the New Year commences, I encourage you to consider what God has entrusted to you, who He has called you to be, what He is asking of you, and how you might forward His Kingdom through the influence you've been given in your life.
Copyright © 2008-2015 Diane Wiater, Ph.D.
Reader Comments...
| 2009-01-26 20:43:20 "That was very good! I needed to hear that today!" - Sharla |
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