Kingdom Church, Part 6

Over the past few weeks in this series, we have discussed how Jesus gave us a mandate to “seek first His Kingdom and His way of doing and being right,” (Matthew 6:33); however, in many areas of our lives we get this instruction backwards. For instance, instead of seeking first His Kingdom in our churches, we wind up seeking first the advancement of our churches. So instead of having Kingdom churches (churches that prioritize the Kingdom of God above all else), we often end up with “church kingdoms” that are primarily concerned with institutional self-preservation. This is a sad reality, because it means that so many churches today are completely missing out on the Kingdom reality and Kingdom relationship that our Creator so desires to share with us.

How do we reform our churches into Kingdom churches? How do we move past a counterfeit reality and back into a Kingdom-first reality? I believe the answers to these questions, and so many others, can be found in our Constitution, the Word of God. Read these passages below, and let them bring renewal and inspiration to guide you into a Kingdom-first reality.

“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” -Romans 12:2 King James Version

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” -Romans 12:2 The Passion Translation (TPT)

“2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” -Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

The process for renewal begins with you and me. We must personally “seek, strife for, go after with all of our might, and we must be ravenously hungry for His way of doing and being, and that will be right/correct for us,” first and in all that we do and in every area of our lives.

“3 Roll your works (everything that you do) upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly/completely to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to/with His will, and] so shall your plans be established, and your plans will succeed.” -Proverbs 16:3 AMPC paraphrased

“5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart (spirit) and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC