Understanding the kingdom of God

In one sense, the kingdom of God is future, eternal, and heavenly. When Christ returns to set up His kingdom on earth, the prophecy will be fulfilled: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15 NKJV). What a glorious day that will be for all of God’s redeemed children. But until then, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” That means as a born-again believer living in this world, you’re called to demonstrate what it means to live under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Winston Churchill famously quipped, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried.” All human government is flawed and ultimately destined to fail because it’s made up of flawed human beings. So as citizens of the kingdom of God, we are called to be “light” that illuminates darkness and dispels ignorance, and “salt” that flavours, cleanses, heals, and enriches the lives of those we come in contact with (see Matthew 5:13-14). We are called to practice the principles of God’s kingdom in the marketplace of life. Whether you work in education, transportation, medicine, politics, agriculture, IT, sales, manufacturing, etc., you are called to demonstrate the benefits of living under the rule of Christ and by the guidance of His indwelling Holy Spirit. “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord.” When Christ returns, that promise will be totally fulfilled. Until then, Jesus said, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13 KJV).