THE CULTURE OF THE KINGDOM

APR. 11^TH

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:12-17 King James Version (KJV)

12.     For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13.     For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

14.     For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15.     And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16.     Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17.     Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Sometimes we forget to appreciate and celebrate the gift and grace of God upon others who are meant to be a blessing to us. Without the contribution of the other fellow, your weaknesses and inabilities will become more obvious and you are likely to be less fulfilled. Take sometime today to appreciate this difference.

CONTEMPLATION

“To be able to touch lives beyond the intellect is not in our human abilities. Our skill with languages, theology, psychology, and theories is not sufficient to bring down the glory. This is exclusively the work of the Holy Spirit.” FFPW p97

The opinion, idea, temperament, and disposition of people around us, are grossly inadequate to reveal to us the culture of the kingdom. Often than not, what we understand and pride ourselves in is only a facade. It is a terrible mistake to settle for such obscurity and expect to see the glory of God.

In every spirit filled individual, there is this innate propensity to gravitate towards the culture of the kingdom if we do not allow the philosophy of man to cloud our vision.

Too many people enslave themselves to the views of scholars. They are quick to say “according to ....” but hardly ever make use of “the Lord told me” or “the Lord showed, revealed to me.”

The philosophies and positions of mortal men are fallible and limited in relevance from one generation to the other, but the ways of the Spirit are eternal.

Before you step out with that wonderful idea, take time to be double sure it will stand the test of time (1 Cor. 2:13, Col. 2:8 and 1 Cor. 1:19-21).     

PRACTICAL ISSUES

We are only susceptible to that which we already admire and celebrate. Be careful what you adore, it may enslave you for good or bad. It is your responsibility to commit the word of God to your mind until your mind is set to process everything through the eyes of the Spirit.

Do something productive today. It is an error to commit to your mind to the writings of other men without enough study of the word of God. Apply Col. 3:16. Let the word of God dwell in you...