PEOPLE OF THE KINGDOM
Perhaps we can begin to cut through the
clouds of confusion about who is a Christian and who is not. Many Americans automatically believe that they
are Christians because they are not Jews. Significant
numbers, perhaps two thirds of Americans consider themselves to be Christians.
But, most of them lead self-centered lifestyles.
George Barna, in his newest book (“The Seven Faith Tribes”), writes:
“Nearly two out of every three Americans
(150 million people) are Casual Christians.”
“Casual Christians are more interested in
living a simple, low-key life filled with happiness and fulfillment than pursuing
faith-based truth and righteousness. They confidently and proudly view themselves
as self-made, self-sufficient individuals.”
Barna is knowingly
using this term to report on statistical information that can be very helpful
to America, and should
be very enlightening to those of us who are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We are challenged to find God’s way of clarifying
definitions. To give status to such a broad
brush stroke virtually ruins the testimony of the corporate church, and also perpetuates
a very unfortunate false security among multitudes—many who
have sincere hearts but don’t know any better.
Christians are followers of Jesus Christ,
and are being transformed (changed) from glory to glory into His image and likeness.
They are far more than casual church members, or even committed church
members. They are the people of the kingdom!
They are subjects of the King, and are growing
into sons of the kingdom. Creation’s cry
is for the revealing of the sons of God. Kingdom is first priority. Jesus said,
He who
has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves
Me. And he who loves Me
will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
– John 14:21
The Spirit of the King within and among
the people of the kingdom is bringing forth the answer to Jesus’ prayer:
“Your
kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven.” – Matthew 6:10
