I did not like church growing up. Sitting in my pew, my stomach reminded me of lunch and then visions of watching a NFL football game. Lastly, I would think about my homework, which was put off until Sunday night. If someone mentioned God’s kingdom, I would stare at them and ask, “So what!” It was completely out of my thought process. Maybe fundamentalist Christians were concerned, but not me. I get my arms around school, friends and even my family, but not God’s kingdom. How do you view God’s kingdom? Should you be concerned about it? Is so, how can you promote its growth?
In Matt. 13, God’s kingdom on earth is compared to hidden treasure and pearl of great price. God desires we sow His word so it can grow. Many people reject the kingdom like I did while growing up.
Reasons People Reject God’s Kingdom on Earth
1. Christ’s miracles and hard sayings can be tough for some people to accept (Matt. 13:54, 57)
2. Familiarity, habit, and relative ease of life may turn to apathy and a “taking for granted” of God’s goodness to us. Occupational hazard for those growing up in a Christian family (Matt. 13:55-56).
3. People fear losing control of their lives or life-styles and see Christ as a threat (Matt. 14:1-5)
4. Stress or adverse circumstances may create unbelief and fear (Matt. 14:24-27, 31)
5. Traditions and external rules and regulations don’t address the issue of living out the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 15:1-20)
To which of these reasons do you most relate?
How can you turn a negative (rejection of God’s kingdom) into a positive (promote growth of God’s kingdom)?
Ministry Principles to Promote Growth of God’s Kingdom on Earth
1. If you are living in the midst of opposition, negativity or rejection from your community or even from your own family, quickly get yourself to a place where nourishment and encouragement that only Christ, as “the bread of life”, can supply (Matt. 13:53-58; 14:20)
2. People must leave negative, disbelieving environments that tend to tear one down, discourage one, and that may encourage bad habits (Matt. 13:53-14:33)
3. Jesus multiplies our small resources if we acknowledge and submit to His leadership (Matt. 14:17-18)
4. If we lay down our money, gifts, time and talents in spite of brokenness, these things will be given back to us so we can bless others (Matt. 14:19)
5. God provides resources to bless others, not to selfishly spend on one’s self (Matt. 14:20-21)
6. In impossible situations, keep your eyes fixed on God, recognize His power and call on Jesus without fear. This puts you in a position for deliverance and healing
(Matt. 14:25-33, 35-36)
7. Our actions please God only when our heart is right and pure (Matt. 15:7-9, 18-20)
Which of these principles for promoting the growth of God’s kingdom on earth is He speaking to you
about?
