As we journey through life, let us never lose sight of the truth that Christ's Kingdom is not of this world. Our earthly home, while significant, is not the ultimate end of our zeal and efforts. Instead, our fervor and endeavors should be directed toward the building of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that transcends earthly politics and temporal affairs.
Earthly Achievements vs. Divine Purpose
It is a common misconception that the success of our political party or the enactment of certain laws can advance the Kingdom of God. While just and merciful laws are indeed commendable and can reflect the values of an advancing Zion, they are merely fruits, not the root. The foundation of God's Kingdom is not built on human legislation but on the transformative power of the Gospel in human hearts.
God's sovereignty is such that He can and does advance His kingdom under any and all circumstances. History attests that the greatest growth of the Church has often occurred during its most trying times. Persecution and hardship have not hindered the spread of the Gospel but have often accelerated it, proving that God's work is not confined by human limitations.
Prioritizing the Eternal
Therefore, it is crucial to get our priorities straight. While it is not wrong to seek and support laws that promote justice and mercy, we must recognize that true and lasting change comes from a heart transformed by the Gospel. Legislation can temporarily restrain evil, but it cannot change the human heart. Only the Gospel has the power to do that.
When the Gospel takes root in people's hearts, it brings about a profound change. Hostility and resistance give way to peace and reconciliation. True flourishing occurs not because of external laws but because of the internal transformation that the Gospel brings. This is the essence of advancing Zion – a spiritual revival that transcends mere societal reform.
The Power of the Gospel
The early Church understood this well. In Acts, we see that despite intense persecution, the apostles continued to preach the Gospel boldly. They did not seek political power or legal reform; they sought to change hearts. And as hearts changed, communities transformed. This pattern holds true today. When the Gospel is preached and accepted, it brings about a ripple effect that impacts families, communities, and eventually societies.
As believers, our role is to be faithful witnesses of Christ, proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed. We are called to be salt and light in the world, reflecting Christ's love and truth in all that we do. This includes advocating for justice and mercy but always recognizing that these are secondary to the primary mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
A Kingdom Not of This World
Christ's Kingdom is indeed not of this world. It is a kingdom that operates on different principles and values. While the world seeks power, control, and dominance, the Kingdom of God is about service, humility, and love. It is a kingdom where the greatest are those who serve, where leaders are shepherds, and where love is the highest law.
In this kingdom, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to any earthly power or political entity. Our mission is to advance His Kingdom by making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that He has commanded. This mission transcends all earthly endeavors and has eternal significance.
Conclusion
Let us, therefore, keep our focus on the eternal Kingdom of God. Let us work diligently to spread the Gospel, knowing that true and lasting change comes from hearts transformed by Christ. While we engage in the civic and political realms, let us remember that these are not the ultimate means of advancing God's Kingdom. Our hope and confidence lie in the power of the Gospel to change lives and bring about the flourishing of God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
In all our efforts, may we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added to us. As we do so, we will see the true advancement of Zion, not through human might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.