Scripture
Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. -Romans 12:2
Jesus told the crowds in Judea and Jerusalem, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:2). Jesus preached this revolutionary message to all who would hear. For a long time, the Jews were expecting a political, earthly kingdom, but Jesus was talking about a heavenly kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is about the reign of God, which, through Jesus' arrival, is now accessible to all believers. Dallas Willard, American philosopher, defined the Kingdom of God as a dynamic system of reality in which humanity moves and in which believers are interactively connected to God. When Jesus admonished the people to repent, He wasn't simply referring to turning away from the wrong they've done; He was referring to their minds. They were to change their minds and their direction. The minds of the people had to be renewed, which meant they had to let go of their old thought patterns and ideals and replace them with what Jesus was offering. When we received salvation, everything became new. Our spirits were renewed, and the old man's habits, thoughts, attitudes, and disposition must also become new. This takes place over time, but it requires our participation with the Spirit of God. As we have received salvation and have become new, we are now citizens of a new kingdom with a new King, Jesus. We operate according to heaven's laws, principles, and policies. This is why Paul tells us to no longer conform to this world or worldly system.
Our habits, thoughts, attitudes, and dispositions become new over time by applying kingdom principles found in the Word of God. So, what are kingdom principles? They are the core values and laws of God's kingdom. Let's explore a few of them:
a. Principle of Love: Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love is considered the primary principle that holds all other kingdom principles together, influencing the motive and attitude behind all actions within the kingdom. It’s the basis for behavior, relationships, and actions. It distinguishes you as a kingdom citizen.
b. Principle of rejoicing: Psalm 5:11-But let those who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield”
The righteous are those who trust in the Lord and love His name. The righteous rejoice and shout for joy. He gives you divine permission to shout for joy at what He’s already done for you. He commands you to shout and pray for joy. As you maintain your joy, you will be strong in the Lord, and for the Lord. As you’re shouting for joy, the favor of the Lord protects us like armor.
c. Principle of seeking God’s kingdom first: Matthew 6:33-Seek first His kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This principle instructs believers to make seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness their first priority, trusting that their other needs will be provided for. It positions your heart away from worldly anxieties and towards a deeper relationship with God.
d. Principle of faith: Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see.
This principle involves trusting in God’s promises, which leads to obedience to His commands, a focus on seeking His righteousness above all else, and acting with integrity, love, and humility.
e. Principle of humility: Matthew 5:5-Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
This principle is about lowering one's own status to exalt others. Someone humble recognizes their dependence on God and serves others rather than being served. True humility is not weakness but strength under control, and is the path to divine favor, unity, and true greatness within God's kingdom.
Beloved, these principles are not exhaustive. There are many more in the kingdom of heaven, but I chose these because they are foundational to our operation in God's kingdom. To discover more, I urge you to search and study the scriptures. As you discover them, intentionally apply them to your life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in Luke 8:10, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." The mysteries of the kingdom are available to those who will seek them out. For as much of God as you desire, Beloved, He will give unto you. Amen.
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