“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth… He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”” Matthew 13:44-50, 52 NIV
The Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven.
These words have been ringing true in my heart.
As a Kingdom agent, I have been gaining wisdom on how to be fruitful, how to bring God glory, how to love, how to give and how to serve.
But the verses above struck a chord within me. As an agent of the Kingdom, how am I visibly living the Kingdom that is within me? Do my words, actions and thoughts show the joy that I feel about being a part of the Kingdom?
Am I sacrificing me (my selfishness, my wants, my needs) for the Kingdom? Does the Kingdom come first in my life?
In serious reflection, the answer is no, not all the time.
Yes, I feel joy about being part of this Kingdom. Yes, I feel honored and humbled that Christ has chosen me and I get to serve his Holy name.
But no, I do not at all times reflect this joy or humbleness.
None of us are perfect and I accept that. But we do have choices and only in constant prayer, reading of the word and spending time with God can I overcome the areas that I have not fully sacrificed.
Food for thought: Are you sacrificing all for God?
Prayer: Compassionate Father, forgive me. May I decrease so that you can increase. Your word in John 15:5 reminds us that you are the vine and we are the branches. If we remain in you, you will remain in us and we will bear much fruit; apart from you, we are nothing. I am nothing without you, Lord. May you grant me the strength to overcome and the wisdom to discern and carry out your will. In Jesus name. Amen
May God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.