Kingdom Values

The kingdom of God is not about satisfying self on worldly things, it is about aligning one's life with the kingdom values. Christians should practice things on which God places eternal values. Jesus mentioned humility, forgiveness and faithful service as valuable practices for those seeking the kingdom of God. Matthew 18:14 - It is not the will of your heavenly Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. These are discussed: Embrace 

Humility; Value Every Believer, and Practice Forgiveness.

Embrace Humility: Those who want to make it to God's kingdom must humble themselves in the fear of God and relationships with others. When disciples asked Jesus about the greatest person in the kingdom of God, he responded that those who want to be great in God's kingdom must be humble as the little children (Mathew 18:1-5). Character of a child is closest to requirement for kingdom living.

Humility is a striking character found in a little child. Thus it is considered as the foundation upon which all spiritual values are built. Life of prayer, worship of God, fellowship with others, reading and keeping the word of God, loving and caring for others are built upon humility. We have much to learn from children's model of humility. They neither pretend nor hide emotions. They are plain and honest. Believers must be honest and humble themselves before God.

Value Every believers: Jesus warned his followers not to cause others to stumble. He stated that those who harm the 'little ones' would be severely dealt with at the judgment (Matthew 18:6-9). Jesus was referring to those who were child-like in faith as the 'little ones'. If a stumbling block is put in their ways, and people take advantage of their weaknesses and treat them harshly, they can become discouraged and weakened spiritually. God's judgement is upon those who harm the people He loves. He wants people to love one another and reflect the values ascribed to His kingdom.

All people are important and of inestimable worth to God, and He has assigned an angel for protection of each believer. Jesus also used the parable of the Lost Sheep to illustrated the value God places on every believer. If one out hundred sheep is gone astray, the shepherd will track it down until it is found. God doesn't want anyone to be lost, but to come to repentance and live to earn His salvation (Mathew 18:10-14). All believers are valuable to God, even those who don't have much money or gifts to contribute to the Church are no less important to Him. He demands fair treatment to all.

Practice Forgiveness: Jesus taught the disciples to practice forgiveness (Matthew 18: 15-22). Peter had learnt the best practice of forgiveness in Christ that he demanded a person should be offended up to seven times before he reacts, instead of three times stipulated in the law. Jesus answer was yet another surprise. He said a person should be offended seventy times seven (490) times before he would react. He stated this to show that forgiveness has no limits. He doesn't want believers to nurse aggression or open their hearts to bitterness toward one another. Anyone that is offended should go to the offending brother and show him his fault. Through reconciliation we demonstrate God's love and offer freedom. If a person rejects reconciliation he remains 'bound' by sin.

It is required of all believers to forgive and forget. Jesus used another parable to illustrate this. He talked about a servant whose debt was forgiven but couldn't forgive the one indebted to him. He was pardoned and forgiven a debt he couldn't have paid. But when it was his turn to show mercy and pardon someone else he declined compassion (Matthew 18:23-25). The wicked ones will be severely punished while those who exhibit Christian values as thought by Christ will obtain mercy. Lesson texts: Matthew 18:1-35.