Advancing the kingdom: Our divine calling

In a world often divided by labels and ideologies, we are called to see people through a different lens - the lens of compassion and spiritual need. Just as Jesus looked upon the multitudes with compassion, seeing them as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," we too are challenged to view those around us not by their political affiliations, social status, or background, but as souls in need of a Savior.

This shift in perspective is the first step in understanding our role in advancing the Kingdom of God. It's easy to categorize people as Republicans or Democrats, rich or poor, educated or uneducated. But when we strip away these labels, we realize a profound truth: every person, regardless of their worldly status, shares a common need for Jesus Christ.

The harvest, as Jesus said, is plentiful, but the laborers are few. This statement is as true today as it was two thousand years ago. Our communities, our nation, and our world are filled with people who need to hear the good news of salvation. While we often look to politicians or new laws to fix society's problems, the real issue at the heart of our troubles is sin. And for this, we have a solution - Jesus Christ.

But how do we engage in this grand mission of advancing God's Kingdom? It begins with prayer. We're called to pray earnestly for laborers to be sent into the harvest. Interestingly, those who pray often become the answer to their own prayers. As we lift our eyes to the fields ripe for harvest, we may find God calling us to be the very laborers we're praying for.

This calling isn't reserved for a select few. Every believer has a part to play in advancing the Kingdom. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 isn't just for professional ministers or overseas missionaries. It's a mandate for every follower of Christ: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

This brings us to a crucial realization: full-time ministry isn't limited to those who receive a paycheck from a church. If you're a follower of Christ, you're in full-time ministry. Your workplace, your neighborhood, and your family - these are your mission fields. Everywhere you go, you have the opportunity to make disciples.

But what if we feel unqualified? The story of the twelve apostles offers us encouragement. These were ordinary men - fishermen, tax collectors, and political zealots. They weren't chosen because of their qualifications, but they were qualified because they were chosen and equipped by Jesus. The same is true for us. We aren't called because we're qualified; we're qualified because we're called and equipped by God.

This truth liberates us from the paralyzing fear of inadequacy. God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Whatever ability or boldness we lack, He can provide. The key is spending time with Jesus. Just as the religious leaders were astonished by the boldness of Peter and John, recognizing that "they had been with Jesus," our effectiveness in advancing the Kingdom stems from our closeness to Christ.

As we step out in faith, what message are we to proclaim? The essence of the gospel message is clear:

1. Jesus died for our sins.
2. Jesus is fully God and fully man who lived a sinless life.
3. Jesus rose from the dead.
4. Salvation is a free gift.

This message doesn't change, but our methods of sharing it might. While Jesus gave His disciples authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons as a validation of their message, our primary means of validating the gospel today is through our conduct and deeds. Our lives should align with the message we proclaim, giving credibility to our words through acts of kindness, generosity, and love.

Advancing the Kingdom of God isn't just about verbal proclamation; it's about demonstration. When we bless others, meet needs, and show compassion, we give tangible evidence of the transforming power of the gospel. These acts of love open doors for the message of Christ to be heard and received.

As we engage in this mission, we must remember that the results are in God's hands. Our role is to faithfully share the good news, trusting that God's Word will not return void. We may plant seeds, water them, or reap the harvest, but ultimately, it is God who gives the growth.

In these last days, with global events unfolding at a rapid pace, the urgency of our mission intensifies. We don't know how much time we have, but we know that every moment counts. Each day presents new opportunities to share Christ with those around us, to be the light in a darkening world.

Let us, therefore, embrace our calling with renewed vigor. May we be known as those who "turn the world upside down" for Christ, not through political power or social influence, but through the transforming power of the gospel. Let us pray for boldness, cultivate faith through time spent with Jesus, and step out in obedience to share the good news.

As we do so, may we never forget that advancing God's Kingdom isn't a side project or a hobby. It's the central purpose of our lives as followers of Christ. Whether we're in the workplace, at home, or in our communities, we are called to make disciples. This is our mission, our calling, our privilege.

In a world desperate for hope and meaning, we carry the message of eternal significance. Let us go forth with courage, compassion, and conviction, knowing that as we advance God's Kingdom, we participate in the greatest mission ever given to humanity. May our lives echo the words of Isaiah, "Here am I, send me," ready and willing to be used by God wherever He leads.

The harvest is plentiful, and the time is now. Let us be faithful laborers, advancing the Kingdom of God with every step we take and every word we speak. For in doing so, we fulfill our highest calling and bring glory to the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.