Are You Building God’s Kingdom… or Your Own?
This expert summary provides key insights into the Christian mandate to live for the enduring Kingdom of God rather than a self-focused, fleeting “tiny little kingdom of one”. Drawing heavily on Jesus’ harsh critique of the Pharisees, this analysis emphasizes that true faith requires internal devotion and heart-level submission, not mere outward religious performance.
The Peril of Surface-Level Christianity
Many believers inadvertently settle for a diminished version of faith, focusing on outward activities without internal devotion. The spiritual life is intended to be characterized by movement, inertia, growth, and inner motivations—a conquest and a warfare aimed at advancing God’s Kingdom.
However, consistent religious practice does not guarantee alignment with God’s mission:
- One could read the entire Bible annually and still live for oneself.
- Perfect church attendance, including Sunday services and midweek groups, does not negate living for one’s own “tiny kingdom”.
- Putting a high percentage of earnings in the offering plate may still fail to demonstrate a view of God’s mission and Kingdom.
- Even possessing a PhD in theology or giving to the poor and needy does not prevent one from being consumed with self-interest, feelings, and expectations of what others should provide.
When the trajectory of life heads toward self rather than the Kingdom of God, all these activities contribute to building a personal, temporary kingdom.
Jesus’ Critique: The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
The ultimate example of people living for their own tiny kingdoms is the Pharisees. These religious experts specialized in public displays of religion intended to impress others and build their own egos, rather than being truly devoted to the glory of God.
Jesus delivered a strong condemnation against the Pharisees, labeling them “hypocrites” and “blind guides”:
- Shutting the Door: Jesus proclaimed, “What sorrows await the teachers of religious law and you Pharisees hypocrites for you shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces”. They neither entered themselves nor allowed others to enter.
- Neglecting Core Values: They were meticulous about tithing the tiniest income from their herb gardens but ignored the most important aspects of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus insisted, “You should tithe yes but do not neglect the more important things”.
- External Cleanliness Over Internal Filth: Jesus compared their practice to cleaning the outside of the cup and the dish, but leaving the inside filthy dirty, full of greed and self-indulgence. He used the vivid analogy of straining water to avoid swallowing a gnat, only to swallow a camel.
Jesus’ warning to the Pharisees was not mere name-calling, but a profound call-out of the “vile and filthy things that fill men’s hearts”. He urged believers to wash the inside of the cup first, arguing that once the inside is clean, it will overflow and wash the outside, manifesting “goodness truth and beauty” both internally and externally.
The Foundation of True Faith: Submission and Gratitude
True Christianity, true faith, and genuine religion are defined by the submission of the heart to the creator and redeemer of the universe.
Instead of seeking “outward show of religion and impressing other people to win their acclaim,” believers are called to ask God for:
- A deep heart of love and devotion.
- A heart filled with gratitude for the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross.
Only God’s grace can produce this kind of heart-level transformation. By embracing this, believers can be part of a Kingdom that actually lasts and is advancing.
The Sovereignty of God Over “Luck”
The concept of “luck” holds no place in the Christian worldview. Luck is considered to mean “nothing”.
Instead of chance or karma, the sources affirm the providence of God and His complete sovereignty over the universe. God created the universe and dwells outside of time and space, controlling all things.
- The scriptures describe God as the “blessed controller of all things”.
- There is not a single rogue “Atom in the entire universe that is not forced to submit to the good and wise will of God”.
- All events serve His purposes: to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, advance His Kingdom, and bring believers into that beautiful Kingdom from the kingdom of darkness.
Practical Application: Stewarding Resources for Kingdom Work
Believers can multiply their impact and advance Kingdom work through diligent stewardship of their resources.
One practical way to contribute is by moving everyday banking to America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU). This action helps fuel various Kingdom initiatives, including:
- Adoption
- Church expansion
- Christian education
- Meeting the needs of pregnant moms
ACCU offers a $200 bonus and donates a box of diapers to a Christian pregnancy center for new checking accounts opened with a specific promotional code.