Being Kingdom People

Steven’s Scribbles
“Being Kingdom People”
Matt. 6:33


    When discussing the worries of the world, Jesus commanded those at the sermon on the mount to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). Notice that seeking the kingdom and seeking righteousness go together. Righteousness simply defined means to do what is right in the eyes of God. Unlike the ancient world, the Lord’s Kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, not a physical kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). Once again, notice that the being in the Kingdom includes righteousness. Paul adds that the kingdom also includes peace and joy. This is the peace that surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:7) and the joy that only comes from the Lord (Rom. 15:13). There are requirements for living in the Kingdom. We have to be born again (John 3:3) and conduct ourselves according to God’s standard (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Unfortunately, there were those in the first century and today as well who don’t want to accept God’s terms of admission. Jesus has a message for them in Matt. 7:21-23. There is a reward for those who toil for the Lord’s Kingdom. They are blessed to be transferred out of the domain of darkness and experience the light of Christ and the forgiveness of sins (Col.1:13-14). They will also be able to experience the beautiful phrase “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23).  Being kingdom people is not easy, but it is worth it.


In His Service,
Steven Hugley