Alternative View - October 26, 2017

Kingdom Misunderstandings

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” - (Luke 17:20–21)

One of the problems facing modern Christianity today is that we have not properly defined God’s kingdom. Some people secularize and politicize the kingdom. They try to look for the solutions to life’s problems solely in our government systems or societal infrastructures. They believe that political involvement or social action will by itself usher in the kingdom.

While there is nothing wrong with entering the political arena as a believer in Jesus Christ—in fact it ought to be encouraged—we need to bear in mind that God’s kingdom is not comprised of, nor limited to, a political institution of mankind. God transcends political parties. He sides with His own agenda.

Other Christians, though, often over-spiritualize the kingdom. In contrast to their politically active brothers and sisters, these are the individuals who are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. They live with their heads and hearts in the upper levels of the ionosphere while the kingdom of God never moves beyond the esoteric belief system within them.

God’s kingdom agenda is much bigger than the political and social realm; neither is it limited to the walls of the church. It is best positioned to reach outwardly from each individual while simultaneously directing the circumference of one’s life.

Reflection: Where have you confused or blurred the lines between God’s kingdom and political activity? Have earthly politics become too important for you—or have you avoided your Christian citizenship responsibilities? How can you interact with political realities as a Christian?

Lord, may I not be so heavenly minded that I am no earthly good. May I likewise not seek to replace Your power, authority, and governance with solutions sought from the political or social realm that come apart from You. Rather, may my life fully reflect and radiate forth Your precepts and purposes through each and every realm.

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