Shaped by the Kingdom

Each day we make choices about what to give our attention to and it shapes us. Those who are followers of Jesus are dual citizens. As North Americans, we live in a culture that tells us that our strength is in our individuality.

As Kingdom dwellers, we live in community, knowing that we are our neighbour’s keeper and we have a responsibility to each other. When we submit to the authority of Jesus, we are being shaped by the Kingdom.   

Kingdom Citizens in a Foreign Land  

There is a tension to hold as Kingdom citizens living in this foreign land. The culture of this world is deeply rooted in a distorted image of humanity. The truth is that every person is created in the image of God.   

However, when sin entered the world, it marred the image of God in every human.  Part of the redemptive work in humanity is that we regain the perspective and live like we know that everyone has been created in God’s image. This shift in perspective changes the way we understand ourselves and determines how we are being shaped by the Kingdom. 

Jesus Turns the World Upside-Right  

Throughout Scripture, the people walk in their own way. They trust in their own understanding, and live life separated from God. Over and over, God calls them back to him, making a way when it seemed there was no way. Then came the day all longing hearts were waiting for. God wrapped himself in human flesh and came to this earth humbly. He was born a baby to a poor family. His birth was the greatest gift to his own creation. In him, we receive the gift of hope, love, and light for all the world for all time.   

Jesus spent 3 years teaching and training his disciples. Countering the rules and authority of earthly teachers and lawmakers, he ruffled many feathers. He dealt gently with those who were far from the Kingdom, calling them to him. Jesus overturned tables and called out hypocrites of religious orders. He challenged the norm that kept people separated by class and standing. He declared that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others.   

We Are All Neighbours  

As Kingdom citizens, right here and right now, Jesus calls us to be shaped by the Kingdom principles he teaches. We are to love our neighbour as ourselves. Whether our neighbour is down the street or in a foreign land, our calling is to demonstrate love in tangible ways. 

This can mean many different things. It may mean giving up something to free up resources so we can give generously. Maybe it’s getting up early in the morning or giving up watching a show to free up time to intercede in prayer on behalf of our neighbours. Or it may mean something entirely different.   

So, What Now?  

Trusting God with everything we have and letting him shape us to look like more like him each day is an intentional practice. Are you willing to spend time in prayer and quiet to ask God what it means for you? Will you seek him and ask how you are to serve the vulnerable? Will you surrender your wants and wishes to be hope in hard places, to be a part of bringing the Kingdom here to earth?   

Interested in learning more?  Discover what God has to say about poverty and the poor in our blog A Biblical View of Poverty.  Ready to make an impact? Give a gift of hope today.