Bring the Kingdom of Heaven With You

Sundays matter. They do. It is when we gather to worship, pray, and spend time hearing what scripture says about the important things in life.

But Mondays matter, too

This is when we take what we read and heard on Sunday and live it out in our homes, relationships, and communities. It is when we put our feet to the gospel and run with it.

Yesterday was difficult. It was difficult because of the snow, ice, and cold temperatures. It was difficult because we could not gather in our church building and see each other’s faces and hear each other’s voices. Certainly, it was difficult for these reasons. We don’t cancel services lightly.

But it was difficult for another reason.

The past few weeks have been full of divisiveness over many critical issues, including the sanctity of life and how we engage with this issue as followers of Jesus from the womb to the tomb – from before birth to death in this life.

Life matters.  All life matters. All life matters because it comes from God and God says it matters.

John 3:16

"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

God would not have given the life of Jesus on the cross to redeem us if our lives did not matter.

And if God loves us this much, how much should we value life? Jesus is our answer.

John 13:34

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

Jesus gave an excellent example of this love through his prayers.

Matthew 6:9-13

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

Jesus says it is possible for God’s will to be done here in this earthly life just like it is in heaven – God’s justice, peace, and perfect presence here. Can you imagine it!

We need God’s will in Minneapolis, we need it in places where hunger, deplorable housing and poverty contribute to crime and violence, and we need it right here at home.

But we should not think we can wish it into being or blame the politicians or protesters. Jesus says it is up to you and to me to bring the Kingdom of Heaven with us, wherever we go.

Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”

When a Hebrew person heard this from Jesus, they understand the important work of salt. Salt meant survival because salt preserved food by keeping it from decaying.

As followers of Jesus we stand in the gap, helping to preserve people and the community from decay. There are many practical ways to do this. Let me suggest a few:

• Find a local food bank (we love our own East Shelby Sharing Table!) and donate food and volunteer. People can’t eat their daily bread unless people care enough to make it available.

• Find a local warming center and volunteer for a shift. Bring an extra warm coat, gloves, hat, or blanket to share. People can’t stay warm unless someone cares enough to provide a place.

• Stop posting and responding to divisive social media posts about politics. It’s time for God’s people to change the algorithms by refusing to take the bait when others post things contrary to the Kingdom of Heaven. Every click matters.

• Invite people to attend a local church worship service or event with you (we love Clayvillage Baptist Church, but there are many good choices).

• Take the time to tell someone else why your faith matters and why their life matters to God. Then show them.

Heaven is more than a destination we’re waiting for; it’s a Kingdom we are called to bring into our neighborhoods right now.

​When we feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and love the person who looks or votes differently than we do, we aren't just being "good people." We are being Kingdom people.

We are showing the world that the God kingdom has plenty of room, and the door is open to anyone who calls on His name.

This week don't just wait for the Kingdom—bring it with you.