Spending so much time in Revelation has been both awe-inspiring and sobering. The raw power of God on display in such a vivid way is incredible. His grace and mercy truly exceed our ability to describe them. And His wrath is holy and righteous. The scene that unfolds in the cosmos is huge and terrifying.
For me, it is easy to think of myself as an insignificant figure in God’s Kingdom. Yes, He loves me, but how much impact and/or influence do I really have? Does the course of my life have a role in the cosmic battle that will ultimately play out when God defeats Satan once and for all? For the sake of avoiding the feeling of responsibility, I like to tell myself no.
But that’s really not the case. Each of our lives does matter. We do play a role. And I was struck afresh with this reality at the end of the lecture portion of Bible study last night. Our teaching leader posed a question to us.
“Whose kingdom are you advancing?”
It’s a powerful question to consider because there are only two options. God’s or Satan’s. That’s it. Each day I have the opportunity to advance God’s kingdom and point others to Him... or not. It’s hard to think of my life in terms this absolute, but it is reality. All of creation is moving toward this day, this moment, when God’s power and glory will be on full display and there will be no doubt that He is absolutely Lord of all. Am I living in such a way as to point people to Him now? Are you? Or are we just keeping our heads down and trying not to stir the pot, lest we offend anyone?
If I’m honest, then I have to tell you that, more often than not, I fall into the second category. And I admit that much to my own shame.
Reading about and studying the judgment that I know is coming, I somehow manage to keep the truth quiet, when I should actually be sharing with everyone I know.
I had this huge epiphany last night that when I am not activity advancing God’s kingdom, I am actually advancing Satan’s. I do it by doing nothing. It’s so sly, so subtle. But that is what he does. He deceives with almost-truths, and I fall for it. By not saying anything, by not pointing people to Christ, I am allowing Satan to keep the blinders on people whom God loves.
Who on earth do I think I am? How can I keep silent?
And so I am praying that God gives me the courage to always look to Christ, to always give Him the glory and honor, to always speak His truth and love.
And I’ll be honest. There is a part of me that is not even sure what this will actually look like. I spend 95% of my time with an 18 month old. While I love him deeply, our conversations are not yet theologically profound. But I can do much better modeling Christ’s love for him on a daily basis. I can talk to him about Jesus because even though he can’t understand me now, I am praying that he will not be able to remember a time when he did not know Jesus. So why not start now?
What about you? What are the ways you can intentionally advance God’s kingdom in your life? In your circles of influence? Consider the question and come up with a real answer, not a theoretical one. And if you have an awesome idea, please share with me. I love a good, practical idea.
With deep love,
Baylor
Dear Baylor, thank you so much for sharing this question with us as well as your thoughts. It is quite true that the answer may be either God's or Satan's. The Lord is waiting for us to show the deeds and actions through which we can advance His kingdom. I think it may be even reflected through some little help to those who need it. Some days ago I was walking in the park and met an old woman who was sitting on the bench. She looked exhausted and worried. I came up to her and put my hand on her shoulder, I also told her that whatever it may have been that worried her so much was less than the Lord's love to her. She looked at me with eyes full of tears. I will never forget that look. Even with mere words we can help a person to feel better.
ReplyDeleteBless you and yours,
Matilda