From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 25, 2023
Hello and best wishes for God’s best Blessings,
We are told by Jesus Christ to partake of the Sacrament emblems in remembrance of Him. Not only to remember Him and His Mighty works, but also to keep His commandments. All of them. Jesus said that if we love Him, we must keep His commandments. Jesus also said that people would know we are His disciples if we love Him and keep His commandments.
Monday, May 29, 2023 is Memorial Day in the United States of America. A day designated by law for the purpose of remembering those who have given their lives in defense of this nation, but also for remembering all those who have gone before us. William Federer has a great read today regarding Memorial Day. Just go to American Minute.
So, you might say, what does all this have to do with “Living in the Kingdom of God? Everything has to do with living in the Kingdom. The scripture for today, from the “Jesus and Me in 2023”daily devotional guide is Doctrine and Covenants 45. In verse one we read, “Hearken, O ye people of my church to whom the kingdom has been given…” Take some time, today, and refresh your memory of this vital scripture.
If the kingdom has been given to us, then we must be living in the kingdom of God. This should be reflected in all that we do so that everyone we have contact with can and will see us as citizens of the kingdom and thus true disciples of Jesus Christ. This means every aspect of our lives. Some might say, what about the little things?
What little things? Not respecting those in authority over us. A park ranger asks us not to feed the geese. He says it is not a law, but a request from those who care for the park and animals. We feed them anyway, even bread which is not good for them. Oh that is just a little thing. If we disregard this request from a person in authority, what impact does that have on our obedience to God’s commandments, like “love your neighbor…?”
What little things? Like exceeding the speed limit. But they say they will allow us five miles over the limit. It is just a little thing, but what impact does it have on keeping God’s commandments? The list could go on and on in each phrase of our daily life,
What little things? Spilled milk and hasty thoughts, didn’t get my way and curt, hurtful comments, judgment without the facts, etc. All these kinds of things are indicators of how easy it is to become “out of tune” with God and the Holy Spirit. By the way, this Sunday is “Pentecost,” fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus. Read Acts 1 and 2 and 3Nephi 9:10-16.
Roy Weldon, in his experience about the Word of Wisdom, said, “Like the average Latter Day Saint, I interpreted it more or less according to my own likes and dislikes…” DC 83:8a tells us the Church was placed under condemnation “because you have treated lightly the things you have received…” There were other reasons also, but misuse of “little things” can lead to “big problems.”
Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way to demonstrate kingdom living.
God Bless
Paul Gage
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