What Do Kingdom and Righteousness Mean?
Understanding the concepts of “Kingdom” and “Righteousness” is fundamental to living out the call of Matthew 6:33.
The Kingdom represents God’s domain— the territory of His rule and reign. It is both internal (within our hearts) and external (in the world around us). Internally, God’s Kingdom manifests as we surrender our lives to His lordship, allowing Him to transform our hearts, values, and priorities. Externally, it involves extending His reign through acts of love, justice, and service, impacting society and culture.
Righteousness, on the other hand, is about embodying God’s character. It reflects the ethical and moral living that comes from aligning our lives with God’s nature. Internally, it means being conformed to the image of Christ, cultivating purity, humility, and integrity. Externally, righteousness manifests through justice, mercy, and compassion as we live out God’s will in the world.
Together, these two concepts—Kingdom and Righteousness—provide a holistic framework for how we engage with God’s work in our lives and in the world.
What is the Kingdom?
Overview:
The Kingdom of God signifies God’s reign and authority over all creation, where His will is carried out both in the hearts of believers and in the world at large. While the Kingdom has already begun through Jesus’ life and ministry, its fullness will be realized when Christ returns. In today’s world, the idea of God’s Kingdom is often associated with the concept of Heaven and afterlife, but our focus is on living out Kingdom principles in our daily lives.
Attributes of the Kingdom:
- King: Jesus is King and Lord over His Kingdom, reigning with authority and power.
- Subject: We, as believers, are the subjects over whom He rules, called to live in submission to His authority.
- Domain: The area over which a King rules. In this case, it encompasses all of creation but starts with the hearts of believers.
- Culture and Rules: The Kingdom operates as an autocracy, not a democracy. Its values are defined by love, justice, and mercy, guiding the behavior of its subjects.
- Economy: The earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1), and we do not lack. God’s economy is not merely about money but about investing in and giving to people, reflecting His heart for generosity and stewardship.
Internal Kingdom:
The internal Kingdom refers to the transformation that occurs within believers. Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Our bodies are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), signifying that we voluntarily, unconditionally, and unreservedly surrender to the rule of Christ in our lives.
External Kingdom:
The external Kingdom represents the authority given to Jesus over all creation. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). As His ambassadors, we are appointed to bring about His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
The Kingdom’s Now and Not Yet Reality:
While the Kingdom is present in our lives today, we live in the tension of its “now and not yet” reality. “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19). Our focus is on experiencing and manifesting the Kingdom here and now, even as we anticipate its future fullness when Christ returns to restore all things.
Conclusion:
This overview highlights the essential elements of the Kingdom of God. For a more detailed discussion, refer to Section 2:5 of the draft book. Additionally, stay tuned for our upcoming blog post on the Attributes of the Kingdom.
What is Righteousness?
Overview:
Righteousness reflects the character of God and is manifested in and through us as His followers. It signifies living in accordance with God’s standards and embodies the essence of His nature. As we seek to understand righteousness, we recognize that it goes beyond mere rule-following; it invites us into a transformative relationship with God that impacts every aspect of our lives.
Character of the Kingdom:
Righteousness encompasses several key attributes of God:
- Love: God’s love is unconditional and sacrificial. As His subjects, we are called to express this love in our relationships, reflecting the heart of God in every interaction.
- Justice: Righteousness demands that we uphold justice. It compels us to advocate for the marginalized, defend the oppressed, and pursue fairness in our communities.
- Mercy: God’s mercy is shown through compassion and forgiveness. Righteousness encourages us to extend grace to others, even when it is undeserved, mirroring the mercy God has shown us.
- Holiness: Righteousness invites us to live set apart, embodying purity in our thoughts, actions, and intentions. This holiness distinguishes us as representatives of God’s Kingdom.
- Faithfulness: God’s faithfulness assures us that He will keep His promises. As we embody righteousness, we become steadfast and reliable, demonstrating loyalty to God and His principles.
These attributes shape our behavior and align us with God’s nature, transforming us into living expressions of His will on earth.
Transformation Through Righteousness:
The transformation of believers’ hearts and minds is essential in embodying the righteousness of the Kingdom. This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live in alignment with God’s character.
Righteousness is not just about individual moral integrity; it extends to how we engage with the world around us. It challenges us to seek justice, show mercy, and embody love in our communities. As we grow in righteousness, we participate in God’s mission to bring restoration and healing to a broken world.
Conclusion:
The interplay of Kingdom and Righteousness defines our identity as believers and shapes everything we do. As we embrace our roles as agents of transformation, we live out the reality of God’s Kingdom here and now. Our commitment to practicing love, justice, and mercy not only reflects God’s character but also invites others to experience His Kingdom through our lives.