Not Of This World: Elements of the Kingdom
In this week’s post I will continue to look at the Elements of the kingdom. I hope that what I have shared about not being of this world and attaining kingdom citizenship has in some way inspired some thought or personal study on the topic and that you’re eager to read the rest of it. So here are two elements of the kingdom of God which stood out to me as I explored this topic.
3 The ways of the kingdom is one of righteousness, peace and joy
This element refers to how we are to relate to others as kingdom citizens living in this world. My first question is, are we to continue living as we used to? Of course not. As kingdom citizens there must be a distinction between us and those who have not yet found their way into the kingdom. However, is it a distinction that lauds itself above others, that rubs the fact that we have somehow attained our citizenship in the faces of those who haven’t? Is it one where we act superior to others? Or secretly scorn or laugh at them, believing that we have somehow attained a secret treasure? God forbid that we should live this way and expect to continue to retain our position in God’s kingdom.
Instead the way of the kingdom is one of righteousness, living in a way that pleases God. Doing what is right and good and true and in keeping with the standards of the kingdom. It is one of peace. The way of the world is confusion, conflict and war… but the way of the kingdom is one of peace, we are to be peacekeepers and peace makers. We should not find ourselves bringing discord anywhere.
Additionally, the way of the kingdom is joy. The ability to rejoice in our circumstances, to find pleasure in serving our king and to give hope to others who should come into contact with us. If what we have attained is truly great (and it is), then our joy should be full. Not that you would be grinning all the time… that would just be unsettling. But rather, you would have discovered the secret to staying hopeful in the midst of the expected storms of life.
In part one I would have mentioned that though we are not of this world we still have a responsibility to influence the space around us. How we relate to others is a very major way of doing that, how we live out the directives of God is a way of doing that. By living this way, we who are not of this world are able to influence it. Injecting light where there is darkness. Thus showing others that what we have found is good and worth it.
4 You may be given authority but you are no king
Another point that stood out to me as I explored this topic was this idea of dominion somehow making men into kings or rulers on this earth. You may be surprised that this is a misconception that has arisen. As I explored the bible I am afraid this idea did not stand out to me in relation to kingdom citizenship. Yes you can claim royalty as part of your identity as a kingdom citizen, but that is not the same as kingship. The ruler of this heavenly realm is and always will be Yahweh, the creator of the heavens and the earth, the only wise and eternal God. We dare not take the authority he gives to us as heirs and joint heirs with Christ to mean that we somehow become rulers in our own right. Submitting ourselves under the ruler-ship of God means surrendering the reins to our lives, not attaining a throne.
We have no authority to command God, or to give him permission to work among us. This world is not our own, we are not rulers here, and God will never be subjected to us because we live in a realm He has given to us. He is God of all. That’s the really amazing thing about being royalty. We are not of this world, yet we live in it, but we live in it joyfully and peacefully because our king is sovereign above all.
The authority and responsibility given to us, to take care of the earth is one that enables us to continue to influence it and to live as ambassadors of the kingdom. Let us not confuse this with an ability to somehow command God or permit God to do anything in this world.
There is so much more that can be explored in relation to Kingdom elements, but these are some of the pivotal points that stood out for me. This understanding gives me such joy and I feel so honoured that God should provide us with this way to Him. This is good news indeed. Dear Royal, please assess your life and ensure that these elements are reflected in the way you live your life. Do you live as one who is not of this world? Are you submitting yourself to the transforming, cleansing work of the Spirit of God? Are you living in a way that reflects the standards of the kingdom? Are you submitted to the ruler-ship of God in the direction of your life?
Think on these things and…
Be a blessing.
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Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
