Have you ever thought what Jesus Christ meant when He said, "May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."?
How can that happen? How is His will done on earth as it is in heaven? Are we supposed to just sit back and watch God bring His Kingdom down on earth? Or, do we have a part in it?
All ready
Since the book of Genesis, God has partnered with man in His work here on earth. He asked Adam to name all the animals that He created. Take note: God already did all the heavy lifting by creating the heavens and earth first and everything in it.
It is in His generous nature to prepare good works for us so that all we need to do is walk in them.
In the Bible we can see many stories of God accomplishing great works on the earth through His people in the field of economics, politics, and the arts.
God blessed Abraham so that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. Israel was released from Egyptian slavery because of the miracles God made through Moses and Aaron. God built His transportable tent of meeting or tabernacle by empowering men like Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship.
Under God's guidance, King David established the nation of Israel by conquering the kingdoms in and around Jerusalem. His son Solomon reigned in wealth, abundance, and political power. God endowed him with a wise and understanding heart and riches and honor unsurpassed by any ruler before and after him.
God also used unorthodox methods to accomplish His will on earth. In King Jehoshaphat's battle against the Ammonites and the Moabites, God instructed him to employ singers. As soon as they began to sing and to praise, God Himself set ambushers against the Ammonites and Moabites and they were struck in defeat.
In the New Testament, the disciples and followers of Jesus carried on His work after he ascended to heaven to be with the Father. Following their baptism in the Holy Spirit, they preached the Gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, and did many other miracles. More than 2.5 billion people today call themselves Christians because of what the disciples have done.
A quick search on the Internet will show that throughout history, many if not most of the breakthroughs in all the branches of science, business, technology, arts, sports, and social work were by men and women who had faith in God. These faithful ones helped shaped the world as we know it today. They passionately used their skill, intellect, and talent to make our world a better place.
Carving a wholesome niche
A modern example of Christ-followers who chose to walk in God's good works can be found in the entertainment industry.
Michael Flaherty and Cary Granat dreamed of making films without violence, sex or profanity and diligently searched for venture capitalists who would fund their vision into reality. About a year later, they met Philip Anschutz, a conservative Christian billionaire.
Since its founding in 2000, Walden Media, has produced more than 40 films such as The Chronicles of Narnia series, Journey to the Center of the Earth series, Everest, A Dog's Purpose, Charlotte's Web, Bridge to Terabithia, Parental Guidance, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Oscar-winning Ray, and Netflix hits The Babysitters Club and The Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting.
By forging on with their goal of entertainment that is affirming with a moral message, Flaherty, Granat, and Anschutz brought in a slice of heaven to a cutthroat industry where shock value and perversion are the norm.
What is in you
If you've wondered what the Kingdom of God is, take a look at Romans 14:17-18:
for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Those who trust and believe in Jesus Christ has His Spirit living in them which means His righteousness, peace, and joy are in them. Because Christ is in us we have everything that Christ has.
Here are some of Christ “riches“ deposited in His followers:
and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, Romans 9:23
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, Ephesians 3:16
Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! Romans 11:33
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7
that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:7
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, Ephesians 2:4
that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, Colossians 2:2
It is no surprise Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father." (John 14:12)
God positioned us in our families, schools, workplaces, churches, and circles of friends as His Kingdom bearers, therefore we bring Gods' Kingdom wherever we go. Our life is a manifestation of His Kingdom which means He is able to show His love for people through us.
This is how His Kingdom comes and His will is done on earth, as it is in heaven.
When we walk in the good works that God had already prepared beforehand, He is able to reveal His glory to the world.
Hearts will be changed, minds will be renewed, physical, emotional, spiritual hurts will be healed, righteous systems will be put in place, peace will prevail, and true joy will be experienced by all.
Walking as sons
We have received the Spirit of adoption which is why we can call God as Father. It is through Jesus Christ that we have become His co-heirs. The authority that is in Christ is also in us. This is mind-blowing when you realize that Jesus said right before He went back to heaven that, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”
This authority gives us confidence to accomplish God's masterplan on earth. We need to understand that in our hearts and minds because walking in the good works of God will not be easy. Although we have been promised victory, following God usually means going against the grain. We must carry on no matter what.
Sometimes, we may need to wait, but it is during that time that all inessentials are removed. When that period is over, we'll discover that His will has become clearer and the character of Christ has been built in us.
Many will try to dissuade us from doing what God has put in our hearts. Hindrances will appear and those whom we count on may not necessarily support us. Be of good courage though because we were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God already prepared beforehand.
As Jesus succinctly put it, "It is finished."
Let Your Kingdom come
I would like to end this post with a prayer to get you excited to experience God's Kingdom manifested through you.
Father, may the dreams and visions You've placed in my heart and mind be fulfilled right before my eyes. Grant me the courage to take the first step and to walk in Your good works. May I see Your goodness as doors and opportunities open for me. May I keep going no matter what I face. May I experience Your abounding grace as I face roadblocks. Grant me the perseverance to see things through. Give me patience when I need to wait. Overwhelm me with Your love every step of the way so I'll have the confidence to keep walking. May everything that I do build up and bless those around me. As I lift You up, draw people to You. Finally, may Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. This is my prayer in Jesus Christ's name, amen.
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*All Scripture verses are from the World English Bible unless otherwise mentioned.