We all want to be good people; good citizens. And hopefully, we are. But it’s difficult in a fast paced-make money-seek significance-power hungry world. I have heard it said, “If you cannot keep up the pace get out of the race.” Years ago, I got out of the race. I met Jesus and my identity, once I did, became an identity in the One who gave His life for me. The stumbling blocks of the world were exchanged for a longing to be like Jesus; a longing to be part of HIS kingdom, not a kingdom of my own making.
But…
Let’s face it. Though Jesus is still on the throne, seated beside His Dad, and we are seated in heavenly places as Christians, our actions are not always so heavenly. Our actions on earth do not always reflect our spiritual positioning.
- We simply don’t want to surrender,
- Don’t want to give up control,
- Don’t want to look at the stumbling blocks that keep us from entering into a deeper relationship with Jesus,
- Don’t want to give up our “stuff”,
- Don’t want to give up our right to be right, and the list goes on and on.
But in the end, we must exchange our old life for His and the stumbling blocks of control, materialism, right to be right and whatever is difficult to surrender is worth it. Here is how the Apostle Paul describes kingdom citizens free of stumbling blocks living this new life in Christ:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ set your sight on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3 NLT)
This week as we study the Gospel of Matthew, we will be looking at stumbling blocks to the kingdom such as the money trap, the envy trap, and the power and prestige trap. Consider joining us in person or virtually. Or consider starting a Drawing Near to God small group in your area, click here to learn more. We would love for you to be a part of our community seeking to grow closer to Jesus and building relationships with one another.
Joanne
