Kingdom driven

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 NIV

When I was younger, I did not want to stand out as different or appear weird to anyone. As I grow older and have grown in my faith, I realize that I have a responsibility. We are called to be different and to stand out so that someone who may not be a believer will seek what we have. If we do not stand out and let our light shine, how are we going to change this dark world? How will we help others secure their eternity?

I have learned that for my light to shine there has to be something noticeable. That may be in the form of a blessing. It may come in the form of a struggle in my life. Unfortunately, sometimes it requires that I go through something rough. Sometimes, it has to hurt me. Few people notice and pay attention to victories. But when we have been hurting the most, people are noticing.

In the past week, I have learned of a one-year-old, a sixteen-year-old and a 47-year-old who have all died suddenly without warning. What if I have no idea what a friend believes about Jesus. What if I never talk to someone about the love God has for us? God is not hindered by me. But sometimes He wants me. Sometimes He wants you too, even if you feel like you are too young to make a difference.

When Jesus was on earth He healed many people, but not all people. Why? Even now, some people go through life and make it look easy, with no obvious pain or injury. This happens while other people get hurt. Why? Some people lose everything. Some people die. Some have wounds you cannot see while others have wounds that everyone can see. Why?

When my mom’s body failed, she ended up in a wheelchair. At one point she said “I wish I could run again, or just walk. Run, while you still can”. I think we can all be more aware that we are living in His kingdom, not ours. Keeping pace with this crazy world does not benefit our eternity, or anyone else’s for that matter. Sometimes we have to get up and get moving and let God use us, wounded body and all. If we are not willing to do what He has called us to do and spread His good news, even if He let’s us get wounded to do so, some people in our lives may never hear about Him. If the wound makes them notice, His healing of our spiritual being can be immediate, even if we take a while to mend here. Shine on, in spite of injuries.

I also realize that at times in my life, I have been the one to wound someone. I love my family, but sometimes my actions hurt them. I want to protect them from all bad things, but sometimes I simply miss that mark. My action, or lack thereof, does not limit God. I am not strong enough to hinder the King. He offers me forgiving grace, I have to be willing, not just to accept it, but to grant it to myself.

I think we all are guilty of thinking there will always be time or another opportunity to do a good deed or to just connect with another human. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, but our eternity is promised and secure if we accept Jesus. It is not complicated, and it is not always easy. If we do not look any different in this world and stand out or maybe even seem odd in the context of this world, why would anyone seek what we have?

Think of the person who has influenced you the most. Are they undefeated in life or have you seen them injured or at their worst?

When have you felt the most injured or been at your weakest? Did you notice the people who were noticing you?

Challenge: Being willing to be Kingdom driven when we are hurt or injured. Being willing to be Kingdom driven even when we are sailing through life smoothly. We are living in His Kingdom not ours.

Sally Vega and Rick Claiborn