TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD

In Matthew 3:2 Jesus declares "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Again, He declares "Seek first the Kingdom......." (Matt. 6:33). How can so many believers be in church but so far out of the Kingdom of God? There are perhaps a number of reasons. Certainly they cannot all here be addressed. However, let's consider the following. A church-minded church does not understand the principles of God's Kingdom because they are following the principles of the church, modeled after worldly principles. The result? according to Sunday Adelaja author of "Church Shift" the following will result: (1) Church in-fighting. We are the light of the world but too much light burns the eyes. When believers see ministry as what happens in church but does not understand the Kingdom mandate to transform the world (outside the church) then the church blinds each other with its own individual perceived glory, thus in-fighting. (2) Egocentric Leadership. Leaders become overly impressed with their own sense of importance rather than celebrating the importance of serving the Lord according to His principles. (3) There develops a focus on the size of the congregation rather than on advancing he Lord's work. (4) Egocentric Followers. The congregation becomes more concerned and consumed with what they want to hear in sermons, how the pastor and leaders gratify their personal needs and desires with little concern for what God desires. This is exactly why the Apostle warns the church to not be conform to the ways of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:2). In other words, think the Word, Will and Ways of God and not the way of the world.
So how can believers live by the principles of God? Well, remember God's Kingdom principles are superior to the worlds. Honesty is greater than dishonesty, mercy is greater than vengeance and love is greater than hate. Positive, affirming talk is greater than negative, condemning talk. Jesus said to love our enemies, bless those who persecute you because His ways are superior. Paul said: "do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).
Many believers don't fully reject the world's principles, rather they establish partial friendships with the world. Many gain influence in church by using kingdom of darkness principles. They use negative attitudes and talk, anger, disrespect for others, secrecy and so-on. The devil directs their actions without them realizing it. They believe they are, or should be in charge and actually believe they are doing God's work. In reality they are serving Satan. There needs to be a daily repentance from worldly thinking and practices.
The greatest way to begin to live by kingdom principles is summed up in the one word that easily describes all of the principles of the kingdom of God......LOVE! Love God, love people, love your enemies, Love conquers all!