From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 NAS95)
This major theme of Jesus’ teaching has taken root in my interior as a place to live now, in God’s presence, interactively, preparing me for eternity. So, I see myself transitioning into Kingdom culture just as I transitioned into the lifestyle of my host culture as a missionary.
I’ve had to get used to a new way of communicating, a new way of listening, a new way of understanding, and most of all, accustomed to a different kind of person with me: Jesus.
Learning to pray or talk to God has taken much time. I started the practice even before I trusted Christ, but in Christ, I noticed God responds. However, He doesn’t respond in the way I expect — another aspect of transitioning to Kingdom Culture. It doesn’t function the way I think, so I have started picking up on the counterintuitive ways of the Kingdom.
I’ve noticed, and God has caused me to ponder very deeply, that the counterintuitive ways of the Kingdom center not only around our Triune Lord, but it reflects His nature as Love. I generally qualify it as His-kind-of-love because of its counterintuitive nature. He loves like no other and He wants me to learn that kind of love from the inside-out, so it effuses from my life.
It has taken many years of prayerfully listening to Scripture, studying it, and applying it to even begin to see God’s ongoing invitation to enter and live in this Kingdom culture, no matter where I find myself on this planet and no matter what my vocation.
As I journey into this space, putting off my ways and attempting to wear the clothes of God’s Kingdom culture, I’ve discovered many fringe benefits. More than that, the very experience of God’s presence with me (Kingdom Culture), motivates me to brag about God, invite others in, and help them live in the same Kingdom I am experiencing.
I’ve noticed God leads me in these ways, drawing my attention to them from His Word, engagement in prayer where I struggle, and reflection on what happens as a result. The transition continues, but God stirs my heart in such a way that I prefer His ways over mine, and I cannot believe the goodness I have received. I have experienced such joy in transitioning to God’s Kingdom culture that I cannot help but ecstatically reach out to include others!
For Reflection:
“They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; to make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.” (Psalm 145:11-13 NAS95)
- What happens when you consider adopting the way of God’s Kingdom culture like the way you entered your host culture? Which Kingdom invites deeper consideration and appropriation in your life?
- How can you intentionalize more proactively the adoption of the ways of God’s Kingdom culture and His Kind of Love?
