Living In The Kingdom of God September 7 2023

 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