For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
(Philippians 3:20 NKJV)
Do you ever feel you can’t get a break? The Christian walk isn’t easy, but today, it’s more than I can handle. COVID overwhelms our nation which sits in disarray. At home, we see bills mounting up like Mount Everts. Stress boils over. Families and hearts are broken. Why do I feel as if I’m living in bondage when Jesus has set me free?
We love Jesus as Savior. We cherish His amazing love, but we fall short of recognizing Him as King. Why is that, and how is that vital to our messed-up lives?
Jesus’ power rests in His Kingship, but our culture doesn’t want a king. We want His love, forgiveness, and salvation, but often we draw the line when it comes to living under His rule. That’s when our problems arise.
We can’t experience the power of Jesus when we refuse Jesus as King.
I was a rebellious teen. I rejected the rules in my parents’ home. You might experience that with your own kids. The kingdom of heaven works the same way. We are citizens of heaven, and everywhere we go we are under the rule of King Jesus.
Like a rebellious teen, we want to walk to the beat of our own drum. We allow Jesus in so far, but we refuse to allow Him full reign. I’ll handle my money my way Jesus. I don’t want to be a submissive wife, so stay out of my marriage, Jesus. Gossip is my pet sin. I can’t live like a Christian on my job.
Jesus won’t beat those doors down that we slam in His face. Instead He allows consequences to occur based on our choices.
Then we cry out for deliverance. Our own choices have put us in unfavorable circumstances.
Life could be abundant if we only submitted to King Jesus. When we live under His authority, the aftermath from our disobedience will cease to exist. When we live within the boundaries Jesus has set, we will walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.
Until now, an internal war has brewed as we want dual citizenship. We want our flesh to have the last word as we grieve the Spirit.
We no longer live under the power of the flesh. That was our former life. Now we must live under King Jesus Christ.
In Philippians 3:17-20, Paul encourages us to follow his example. Paul admitted he had not attained perfection, but he wanted to encourage an obedient walk. Paul refers to the “enemies of the cross of Christ.”
whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:19 NKJV)
Let’s begin today to open the rooms of our hearts that we had closed off to Jesus. Let’s walk in the Spirit and stop warring with the flesh. Let’s enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised us.
Lord Jesus, help me see You as King. I want to enjoy the benefits of being the King’s daughter, so help me live in obedience to You. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
After reading Philippians 3:17-20, answer these questions? What describes a person who sets their mind on earthly things? Prayerfully consider the areas you have blocked from Jesus. Ask Him to help you open those doors.
Originally posted on December 14, 2020 @ 3:00 am