Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
John 18:36 NIV
Not From This World
A few years ago the Montreal Gazette asked a number of Canadians living abroad what people where they live think about Canada. One Canadian expat who has lived in the Philippines for many years responded “Canadians are considered friendly and polite. People here almost always have a story to tell of their brother or cousin or uncle who lives in Canada. People who have been to Canada talk about how beautiful it is and how welcoming the people there were.”
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As people mature, they try to find their place in this world. They work hard at discovering what they enjoy doing and getting the knowledge they need to succeed at what they find most fulfilling. Followers of Christ need to recognize that our primary responsibility is to discover our place first in the Kingdom of God. Jesus innately knew His role. He says this in John 18:36: “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’” Followers of Jesus need to realize that we are first and foremost citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The implications are profound. We live in this world, but we do so as ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom. We are called to be salt and light in this world, living in tension with the world and all it represents. Our battle isn’t against the rulers and authorities in this world, but in the spiritual world. Our weapons are God’s Word and prayer. Take time today to find your place within God’s Kingdom, and represent Jesus well as you live in this world
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley