Philippians 2:15 (NLT)
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Even for seasoned believers, this scripture can be challenging. It reminds us that striving to live in accordance with God’s Will requires more than mere human effort; it necessitates the spiritual strength and faith of Jesus Christ. It’s a journey that requires the help of God’s Holy Spirit, who lives within us. Surrendering to God’s Will allows the Spirit’s transformative work to take place, but it’s important to understand that this work isn’t forced upon us by God. We must actively seek it through prayer and ask Him for the Spirit’s help. Sadly, many of us neglect to do so, and as a result, we risk living powerless lives, falling short of the privileges that our Heavenly Father has given us as citizens of His Kingdom.
Hebrews 4:12 (MSG) states: “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.” As believers and followers of Christ, we are bright lights empowered to shine brightly in a world of darkness, but many of us live with our lights turned off. Proof of this is the many that are influenced by worldly standards, distractions, and expectations. Not enough of us are praying to live as bold witnesses of God’s power.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wanted his disciples to understand and see their true purpose. During one of their talks together, he assured them in John 14:4(NLT): “And you know the way to where I am going.” He didn’t want them to worry and encourage them to trust in God and in him. However, Thomas, one of his disciples expressed uncertainty and remarked that they didn’t have any idea where Jesus was going. This prompted Jesus to affirm in John 14:6(NLT): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” We forget sometimes that life’s journey has a predetermined destination set by God Himself. Christ is both the beginning and the end of this journey. He is the way, truth, and life, and the path of total dependence on him is the only one that God has ordained.
Many single women in the faith await fulfillment in their personal lives, seeking validation and security from relationships. However, true fulfillment comes from trusting in God’s love and promises, not from worldly standards or expectations. It’s God’s love, activated through the power of Jesus Christ, that sustains and nurtures our relationships. Your physical attributes or any worldly factors are not what truly hold your relationship together.
Nothing compares to the blessing of our citizenship in the Kingdom. It isn’t just a title; it’s a way of life! It means we have authority here on earth! To live fully as citizens of the Kingdom, we need to think, speak, and act like Kingdom citizens. That starts with knowing our rights, which are all laid out in God’s Word. If we don’t read it, believe it, or trust in God’s promises, we’ll miss out on the abundant life He wants for us. God wants us to live with joy, happiness, and fulfillment, not constantly feeling drained by life on earth.
For women who are born again, waiting endlessly for a man to propose shouldn’t be the norm. If you find yourself in that situation, it’s not necessarily a bad thing; it just means you might need to reassess your thoughts and intentions in light of God’s Word. As a citizen of His Kingdom, let the love of Christ be your main motivation, not just getting married. Remember, Jesus Christ teaches us in Matthew 6:33 that when we prioritize seeking God’s Kingdom, everything else falls into place. So, focus on seeking God’s Will for your life, and He’ll take care of the rest.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Blessing of Kingdom Citizenship”, written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.