As Jesus’ disciples, we are to sit under His rule and use it to govern and manage the spheres of influence He’s bestowed on us here on earth. The problem is that many of us don’t mind ascribing rule and authority to Jesus when we agree with Him. We just don’t want to do that when we disagree. We want Jesus to have the final say over the decisions we like or the rules that make us feel comfortable. But that’s not how kings rule. The concept of rulership is not that the king adjusts to the subject. No, the subject must adjust to the king.
The concept of rulership is not that the king adjusts to the subject. No, the subject must adjust to the king.
Problems arise when we don’t even bother to get to know Jesus and His Word in such a way that He can speak into every area of our lives. If you broke a speed limit because you didn’t know it was the speed limit, do you think the judge would take that as a good excuse? Even if you told the judge that you didn’t know better, you didn’t see the sign or you felt the limit was too slow for that area, the judge is still going to make you pay.
Far too many Benedict Arnolds exist in His kingdom, working for the other side, all the while seeking the benefits He brings their way.
It’s our role to understand the rules. God has given us everything we need to live according to His authority (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). His revealed will provides the boundaries and parameters for us to make choices aligned under Him. His living Word and the Holy Spirit illuminate His truth in our minds in such a way as to provide direction and guidance as well. We have no excuse when we disobey God. Far too many Benedict Arnolds exist in His kingdom, working for the other side, all the while seeking the benefits He brings their way. But it doesn’t work that way. To receive the benefits of the kingdom, you need to obey the King.
I recall a time when I had some serious ant hills on my front lawn. As these ants served their queen, they built mounds on my lawn, turning a once-green lawn into a place of foreign habitation. They were building their own kingdom on my lawn, so I needed to address their presence. If I didn’t...
Everybody needs someone to help them navigate through their life. Timothy had the best of mentors in the apostle Paul, who wrote two letters to encourage him in his life and ministry. During his missionary journeys, Paul had left Timothy behind in Ephesus so that he could grow the ministry that...
