A Kingdom Perspective: Living a Counter-Cultural Life

A Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation

We, as God’s chosen people, are called to a higher purpose. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a unique possession, set apart to praise the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) This divine calling is a privilege and a responsibility.

Citizens of Heaven, Residents of Earth

Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, interceded for us, not asking that we be removed from the world, but that we be protected from the evil one. (John 17:15-16) As citizens of Heaven, we are called to live on earth, navigating its complexities with a unique perspective – a kingdom mindset.

A Life of Sacrifice and Transformation

The Apostle Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1-2) This is our true and proper worship. We are not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Navigating the World Wisely

As we journey through this world, we must be both wise and innocent. Like serpents, we must be discerning, recognizing the traps and deceptions of the enemy. (Matthew 10:16) We must be aware of the hypocrisy and the schemes of those who would seek to undermine our faith. Yet, like doves, we must maintain purity of heart and live a life characterized by love, compassion, and honesty.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus often encountered those who sought to test Him. The Pharisees, with their legalistic approach, and the Sadducees, with their skepticism, posed challenges to His teachings. (Mark 8:11, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:13-20, Acts 16:37, 22:25, 23:6-7) Jesus, however, always responded with wisdom and grace, exposing their hypocrisy and revealing the truth.

Embracing the Ambassadorial Role

As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to represent Him to the world. (Romans 12) We are to live lives that are not only spiritually vibrant but also professionally competent and socially relevant. This requires building strong relationships, both with fellow believers and with those who do not yet know Christ.

The Marks of a Kingdom Citizen

A life lived as a citizen of the Kingdom of God is characterized by:

• A Holy Lifestyle: Abstaining from sinful desires and doing good deeds. (1 Peter 2:12)
• Respectful Submission: Obeying and respecting authorities. (1 Peter 2:13-17)
• Loving Relationships: Being a good companion to others. (1 Peter 3:8-11, 4:7-9)
• Resilient Faith: Responding to challenges with grace and perseverance. (1 Peter 3:13-14, 4:4, 5:7)
• Evangelistic Zeal: Always being ready to share the Gospel. (1 Peter 3:15-18)

We are called to live a counter-cultural life, one that defies the norms of the world. We are to be different, set apart, and holy. Let us embrace this divine calling and live as true citizens of the Kingdom of God.