From: Paul Gage
pauljg_64055@yahoo.com
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ to all His
followers around the world,
As we each continue our efforts of “Living in the Kingdom
of God,” what do you find as your greatest obstacles? Actually living according
to God’s commandments in all aspects of our lives rather than just going
through the motions? Walking the talk, rather than just “talking the talk?”
Jesus made it very plain what taking up our cross is.
Matthew 16:25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 26 And now
for a man to take up his cross is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every
worldly lust, and keep my commandments. 27 Break not my commandments for
to save your lives; for whosoever will save his life in this world shall lose
it in the world to come. 28 And whosoever will lose his life in this world for
my sake shall find it in the world to come. 29 Therefore, forsake the world and
save your souls; for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world
and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 30
For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and
then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Jesus also says in Matthew 11:29 Then spake Jesus,
saying, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. 30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light.
We see strong evidence of this in the Apostles after they
saw the Resurrected Lord. Living in obedience to God’s commandments and the
example of Jesus Christ, they were able to do the great works that Jesus said
they would do. The same for those faithful ones in the Book of Mormon, early
and later Latter Day Saints as well as many who never heard of the Church Jesus
built, but knew the Builder.
So, how are we doing in God’s Kingdom in 2023? Do we
practice what we preach or profess? Do we “change our tune” when confronted or
challenged by others, even family members?
David Smith in his hymn, “Let Us Shake Off the Coals,”
tells us to “Shake off the coals and break off the yoke of our bondage…” If we
are not “Anchored in Jesus Christ we will drift out and be wrecked on the rock
or the shore.” In several scriptures Jesus is referred to as “The Rock,” He is
the Spiritual Rock of our salvation. Without Him we live in the world and crash
on the physical rocks of the world.
No matter what the world may throw at us, His yoke is
easy and His burden is light because He carries us through as we live in His
Light. He never said life would be easy. He said that whatever He suffered, we
shall suffer. Are we living in the Kingdom if we do not love our brothers and
sisters, our families and all people? We each must answer that for ourselves.
Is there any earthly thing that is worth our soul? What did Jesus say about
going the extra mile, turning the other cheek, giving your shirt and even your
cloak, forgiving if we expect to be forgiven, loving our neighbor as ourselves,
and many more?
How are you doing on eliminating the hindrances and
barriers to Zion? It must start with each of us as we seek to be “One in and
with Jesus Christ.”
God loves you and gave Himself for you,
Love God and give yourself for Him.
Paul Gage
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