What is a kingdom-minded person like?

How should kingdom-minded people think or act? How should we dress? What kind of cars should we drive? How can we know?

I know these questions may sound a little silly, but Christians have been asking them for centuries. A kingdom-minded person thinks differently than anyone else. Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, NIV)

When I accepted Jesus into my life, I was shocked by some advice I received from well-meaning Christians: “Paul, you’ve got to cut your hair and change your clothes. Don’t play cards, don’t go to movies, and stop listening to rock and roll. Oh, and no more dancing.”

Their advice seems hilarious now, but at the time, it confused me. When I went to graduate school, I saw large communities of Amish people. They practiced their faith in very different ways. That, too, was a little confusing.

Have you ever been confused by the religious practices of your family or friends? It’s not our intention to judge or condemn others, but it’s important that you decide these things for yourself and your household. Joshua made this bold declaration: “‘...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.’” (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

I found this amazing scripture about the look of a kingdom-minded Christian. It had nothing to do with clothes or food but with something much more transformative: “He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’” (Matthew 13:52, NIV)

Have you been trained for the Kingdom of Heaven? Do you bring out treasures that are old and new? Do you represent the values of this world or the values of heaven? I pray that you will commit to bringing heaven to Earth. I pray that you will be a resource of wisdom and love.

God doesn’t judge you on your looks or bank account but on the wealth of your heart and mind. You are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet