Sunday, 1 September 2024
APPLY THE HIGHER PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Being born again, you’re not of this world; you belong in God’s Kingdom. You must carry this consciousness every day, that you’re from above. In John 17:14, the Lord Jesus, referring to His disciples said, “… they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” So, you’re in this world, but not of this world.
The Lord Jesus beautifully exemplified this when he referred to Himself as the Son of man who is in heaven, even while physically present on earth: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven” (John 3:13). He lived by the principles of the Kingdom of heaven while dwelling here among men, and He was victorious on every count.
As Christians, you’re to navigate this earthly life, guided by the spiritual principles and values of God’s Kingdom. This Kingdom-consciousness empowers you to live with a heavenly perspective here on earth. In fact, if you read our opening verse in context, it reveals that you’re meant to live from the inside out—from your spirit—and heaven is in your spirit. The Bible says, “…He has also set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
Live from heaven. This consciousness will impact everything about your life, including your health. This is important, because oftentimes, there’re those who wonder why certain “faithful” and committed Christians suffer terrible calamities. Some even get sick and die sick. Well, you have to understand that health isn’t a “reward” for serving God; the Bible doesn’t promise that.
Instead, the reward of your faithful service is reserved for you in heaven. When we get there, the rewards for our service will be announced, and we’ll return to the new earth to enjoy them. However, here on earth, it’s your responsibility to apply Kingdom principles—use the Word of God—to live transcendently and keep your physical body in health. So, keep your focus on the Word; speak it forth always. Be a doer of the Word and refuse to be moved by sensory perceptions.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege to live by your Word and apply Kingdom principles. I refuse to be moved by the challenges of this world, but I align my entire being—spirit, soul, and body—with your will and purposes. Thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
James 1:22-25; Colossians 3:1-2
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 & Proverbs 8-9
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-20 & Jeremiah 18