Kingdom Living

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17

Jesus proclaimed the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It is not something we have to wait for but that which can be and should be experienced now. The Sermon on the Mount as found in Matthew 5-7 is Jesus’ photo album of what “kingdom living” looks like. He begins with snapshots of kingdom dwellers. They are the poor in spirit, those who mourn (over their sin), those who are meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, those who are meek and pure in heart, those who are peacemakers and yet, are persecuted for righteousness sake. He then reveals other snapshots of kingdom dwellers in daily life by fulfilling the spirit of God’s law as they love their neighbors as themselves. They never murder with their tongue or covet with their eyes. They love their enemies and are slow to judge. Kingdom dwellers do not fret over the things of the earth because they store their treasures in heaven. Their one desire is to please God and seek Him with all of their heart. Jesus warns that not everyone will enter into the kingdom. It is only populated by those who come to Him with a repentant heart and believing heart. As I flip through this album of “kingdom living” I must ask, “Do I see myself?” or am I only an imposter.