Day 9: Kingdom-minded action 

When you look at the life of Jesus, you see that he was a man of action. But rarely were his actions the ones that others expected of him. There was a unique way in which he engaged in kingdom-minded work in the world. 

First, he prioritized people over political systems. He didn’t simply focus on changing policies to take better care of the sick, he instead loved and healed the sick. In this challenging season, we need to make certain we aren’t avoiding our own responsibility to love, by placing it all on our political leaders. We will be disappointed by the results and will simultaneously miss out on the joy that comes from serving others.

So do policies matter? Absolutely. But policies cannot replace the hands and feet of those living with compassion, grace, and sacrificial love. When others condemned, criticized, and judged, Jesus offered grace, understanding, and instruction on how to move forward in a new direction. Let us do the same. 

“‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’”  John 8:4–11

While Jesus always led with love and compassion, there are also many examples of his willingness to challenge the system directly. But surprisingly, it wasn’t the corrupt political systems that he focused on, it was the religious systems. He challenged the Pharisees, those who were so focused on their personal piety and the sinfulness of others that they became oblivious to their own flaws. He challenged his own disciples, as they argued over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. And he challenged the bigotry, racism, and classism that existed within the church, as he made a hero out of the Good Samaritan and revealed the hypocrisy of the religious elite. 

Jesus’ attention was always drawn to the broken, the needy, the sinner, the outcast. And when Jesus encountered systems and mindsets that served to oppress them, he spoke up boldly. 

Please don’t take this as an excuse to email your pastor or blast any other people who came to mind just now. I know you might be tempted to put a certain political party or people group into the category of hypocrite or religious elite. But let’s remember to dwell in a place of love and humility, even when recognizing flaws in others.

It’s also important to note that Jesus never challenged any systems for his own personal gain. All of his actions were seeking the benefit of others, and ultimately, honoring the will of the Father. Much of the political action today focuses on increasing personal benefit, something Jesus simply did not do. Instead, he ultimately sacrificed himself, at the hand of the political system, for the sake of rescuing us. 

How might our political landscape improve, if we as believers primarily fought for the benefit of others, rather than ourselves?

The will of the Father

As the Son of God, one would expect that Jesus could walk the earth with an unmatched level of authority and independence. Yet even Jesus submitted his will and actions to the leadership of God the Father. 

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42

As we look to be people of kingdom-minded action, we can do so under the guidance and authority of the King.

While this could be interpreted as a restrictive relationship, it is better understood as an equipping connection. Just as an ambassador walks under the charge, authority, and protection of their nation, we engage in kingdom-minded action under the leadership of God. When we, like Jesus, submit our will and preferences to God, we pick up a greater purpose. We carry peace within our purpose that comes from walking under his commission. Even now, the one who set the world in motion sets the order of our steps. 

Our responsibility

Anxiety often increases when we feel like everything is out of control. When we view ourselves as the victims of circumstance, we often can’t help but walk in a level of fear.

To walk in peace this political season, we must be equipped to recognize what we can control. Even in this period of unknown, when we seem to be dealing with problems too big to solve, we can focus our attention on where we might make a difference. We can seek out the people who need a picture of the love of God. We can find ways to make an impact where systems and policies run in contradiction to the kingdom of God. In the next chapter, we will take some time to explore the practicals of what we have to offer. 

Let’s take a moment to ask God to shape our hearts. Maybe we’ve been like the Pharisee, or the priest, or Levite. Have there been times that you’ve walked as a representative of Christ while seeking personal benefit at the expense of others? I believe that every single one of us, myself included, have stumbled in this way. Yet if we are to be people of kingdom-minded action, we must first recognize where we’ve been people of inaction (or improper action). If we are to be people who walk in peace in a time of division, we must first recognize the areas of our hearts that remain untouched by the transforming love of God. Invite God to move in your heart, seek his loving grace and guidance toward Jesus-like action. 

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20–21

“God’s purpose in guidance is not to get us to perform the right actions. His purpose is to help us become the right kind of people.” —John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted

PRACTICE

Reflect on these questions:

1. Does your action look more like criticism and blame, or does it include self-sacrificial love and service?
2. Are there areas in your life or your close circle of relationships that may not be reflecting kingdom-minded action? 
3. Who in your life could use love, grace, empathy, or compassion?
4. Are you willing to surrender to the leadership of God as you step into action?