Friday, August 7, 2015

No Fighting Allowed

Today's blog post is contributed by David Trotta:


Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” John 18:36

In God’s kingdom, we don’t fight, we lay down our lives.

In a world where it’s all about fighting for your rights and getting what’s coming to you, the principles in God’s Kingdom are the polar opposite.

Jesus didn’t fight against the political system or those in authority, even though he was mistreated and wrongly accused.  He didn’t call down an army of angels to exact revenge or right a wrong.

Instead, He surrendered.  He willingly laid down His life.  To Jesus, showing love was more important than clinging to His position or wielding His authority as the Son of God.  He chose to reflect the love of the Father to the world.

As citizens of His Kingdom we are called to do the same. God’s Kingdom is a collection of undeserving citizens (us) who continually reflect their King by showing unconditional love to an undeserving world.

A citizen of God’s Kingdom says “not my will, but your (God’s) will be done.” (Luke 22:42)

A citizen of God’s Kingdom says “I consider others more important than myself.” (Philippians 2:3)

A citizen of God’s Kingdom says “go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, give up your coat.” (Matthew 5:38-42)

We belong to a different Kingdom, God’s Kingdom, one that is governed by different principles.  In God’s Kingdom we are not called to fight.  We are called to lay down our lives.

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