Welcome to the fifth and final week of our discussion of Missional Living at Do Not Depart. Living missionally includes being an ambassador for God’s Kingdom. We partner with Christ to see the Father’s will “done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Our kingdom life is lived now and forever.
The Kingdom is Now
When a person puts their faith and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, a whole new life begins. Immediately, a regime change takes place, and a new believer joins a new kingdom and is subject to the rule of Christ. Consider the following.
- Our citizenship in God’s Kingdom begins with our salvation: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…” (Colossians 1:13).
- God’s Kingdom is not bound by time or space: “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:20-21).
- The Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Often, we think of God’s Kingdom being far off in a distant place and time. Rather, it is near. We, the redeemed in the Lord, are citizens of His kingdom right now.
On Earth as it is in Heaven
As members of Christ’s kingdom, we are His agents in the world to usher in the reign of Christ. Missional living is an acknowledgment and affirmation of this. Jesus taught us to pray,
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”
–Matthew 6:9
As our faith matures and we submit to the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus, our transformation spills out into all aspects of our lives. Following Jesus, we are culture makers, justice seekers, and light bearers.
Ambassadors in Everyday Life
Considering this topic, I can suggest three ways we can be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God in everyday life.
- Reach out in kindness and compassion: “For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).
- Defend those who have suffered injustice.
- Use your voice for the defenseless: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV). - Contend for righteousness: “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
- Use your voice for the defenseless: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
- Join hands with others to do good works: “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people” (Titus 3:8).
The Kingdom is Forever
Doing God’s will on earth, we look forward to the day it is fulfilled. And, there will be a day! For we do not labor for a kingdom that will pass away. One day the heartache will be gone, sin will be no more, and we will be with God. God’s kingdom is forever. Forever!
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” –Revelation 11:15
Let’s Work Together
As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we are devoted to Christ’s mission. Promoting and doing the work of the kingdom is part of “missional living.” What ideas do you have about kingdom living? What acts of kindness, justice and good works do you do? How can we better encourage and equip you as you work for Christ’s kingdom?
Join the Discussion