"Whose Kingdom are You Building?" by Margaret Slaughter

Narcissist – a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.  In this age of social media, most people want fame and fortune.  Instant success.  Be noticed.  Be the next best thing.  Bling, fast cars, fast money, and a lavish lifestyle seem to rule.  They work hard at building a kingdom.  A narcissistic kingdom, beneficial to only themselves.  As Christians, we are called to something higher.  Building God’s kingdom.

 

Here are a few tips on Building God’s Kingdom:

1. Building the Kingdom of God is selfless.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
2. Building the Kingdom of God requires spreading the Good News. “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
3. Building the Kingdom of God requires us to use our gifts.  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
4. Building the Kingdom of God calls us to be the light in darkness.  “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
5. Building the Kingdom of God requires you to serve in silence.  “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.  If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.  So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.  Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4

So I ask you, whose kingdom are you building -- Yours, or God’s?

 

Margaret Slaughter