When you become fixated on your surroundings and allow your environment to determine the outcome of your life, you will detach yourself from the realities of God’s Word. Functioning as a Kingdom-Minded Person can only be a derivative of submitting to the absolute authority of God’s Word, and this understanding will save you from many spurious templates you might be presented with. Therefore, I would like to draw your attention to a vital mentality and pattern for becoming a functional son of God’s kingdom in your assigned space as outlined in the scriptures.
Understanding suffering
Romans 8:18 KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Suffering, in this context, is not referring to sicknesses, diseases and poverty but the state of being afflicted, pressed and stretched for functioning as a son in God’s kingdom government on earth. The scriptures help us see abundantly that the revelation of glory is directly linked to suffering. Thus, the doctrine of suffering is not aimed at raising sadists, but a necessary process for the manifestation of glory. Jesus affirmed this on the road to Emmaus when He said, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory (Luke 24:26)?” Therefore, if you are suffering and there is no glory in view, then you are probably suffering for nothing – that is a bad transaction.
You are supposed to benefit from your sufferings. Paul, reiterating this principle, wrote to the Galatians, “Have ye suffered so many things in vain (Galatians 3:4)?” If you choose to operate as a son of the Kingdom, you will be stretched, and it should amount to something. From the opening scripture, the Holy Spirit is helping you see that whatever might be hostile is not worthy of comparison with the glory that will be revealed in you. It is an erroneous mentality to even consider juxtaposing what you are enduring momentarily with the glory of God. You do not back out of your marriage, business, career or profession just because its difficult. When you handle difficulties and sufferings effectively, you will unleash glory. When you conquer difficulties, you become beneficial to others.
Let not your heart be troubled
John 14:27 KJV
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The above scripture was a preparatory message from Jesus to his disciples regarding his imminent crucifixion. These soothing words were necessary because the disciples were about to witness the unimaginable – the gruesome death of the Messiah. If it wasn’t possible not to allow their hearts to be troubled, He would not have asked that from them.
As a son of the kingdom, you do not have to be distraught. The exact words of the Lord apply to you today irrespective of your experiences. In other words, don’t connect your heart to troubling circumstances. If for any reason you are going through an unpleasant situation, don’t let that break you. If you will be true to God, His glory will be revealed wherever you were pained and mocked.
The Sovereign will
John 5:30 KJV
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Sons of the kingdom are regulated by the will of the Father. Just like Christ, they are simply representatives, and they live to ensure that the interest of the sovereign God is established. For example, personal ambitions should not be the motive behind your business as a son of God’s kingdom. If you are in business, it should be because of what God can do with that business. It is not just about you; the interest of God’s kingdom is at stake. A misunderstanding of this reality can obstruct the outworking of the power of God in your life. The life of a son is in discovering what the Father has done and doing the same. Our nation can take advantage of our many challenges and leverage the kingdom concept of suffering and overcoming difficulties to unlock the glory of God in spaces, places and among people.
Think Kingdom, Take Dominion.
Rule and Subdue the Earth.
