Growing with the kingdom of God

Challenges and Opportunities

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves pondering the nature of God's kingdom and our role within it. How does this divine realm grow? What obstacles does it face? And most importantly, how can we, as believers, grow alongside it?

The concept of God's kingdom expanding from small beginnings to something magnificent is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the mustard seed. This tiny seed, when planted, grows into a large tree where birds can nest. Similarly, the kingdom of God may have humble origins, but its potential for growth is immense. We see this mirrored in the early church – starting with just twelve disciples, it has now spread across the globe, touching millions of lives.

But this growth doesn't come without challenges. Just as a farmer might find weeds growing alongside his wheat, the kingdom of God faces opposition. These "weeds" represent those who seek to hinder the spread of God's word and the growth of His people.

This spiritual battle isn't just happening on a global scale; it's taking place in our individual lives too. We face daily challenges that threaten to crowd out our spiritual growth. Busy schedules, worldly distractions, and the lure of instant gratification all compete for our attention, potentially stunting our spiritual development.

So how do we combat these challenges? The key lies in recognizing the immense value of God's kingdom. In another parable, we're told of a man who finds a treasure hidden in a field. Recognizing its worth, he joyfully sells everything he owns to buy that field. Similarly, a merchant searching for fine pearls sells all he has when he finds one of great value.

These parables prompt us to ask: What value do we place on God's kingdom? Are we willing to give up everything – our time, our resources, even our very lives – to pursue it? This isn't about literal selling of possessions, but rather about prioritizing our spiritual growth and the advancement of God's kingdom above all else.

Growing with God's kingdom requires intentionality. It means carving out time for prayer and Bible study, even when our schedules are packed. It involves choosing to serve others and share the gospel, even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. Sometimes, it might even mean sacrificing relationships or opportunities that hinder our spiritual growth.

But here's the beautiful thing – as we grow, we become more effective in furthering God's kingdom. Like leaven working through dough, our influence can spread, impacting those around us. What starts as a small act of faith or obedience can have far-reaching consequences we may never fully comprehend in this lifetime.

It's crucial to remember that this growth process isn't always visible or measurable by worldly standards. Sometimes, like a seed buried in the ground, the most significant growth happens unseen. We may feel small or insignificant, but in God's hands, our lives can have an enormous impact.

As we seek to grow with God's kingdom, we must be aware of the tactics of the enemy. Just as weeds can look deceptively similar to wheat, false teachings and worldly values can creep into our lives and churches, disguised as truth. We need discernment, rooted in a deep knowledge of God's word, to distinguish truth from falsehood.

This brings us to an important point – the value of studying both the Old and New Testaments. Some may be tempted to focus solely on the New Testament, viewing the Old as outdated or irrelevant. However, a full understanding of God's word requires engaging with both. The Old Testament provides the foundation and context for the New, while the New reveals the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises.

As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we become like the master of a house, able to bring out treasures both new and old. This comprehensive knowledge equips us to navigate the challenges we face and to effectively share God's truth with others.

In all of this, we must never forget the source of our growth and the reason we're part of God's kingdom in the first place – the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross and resurrection made our salvation possible. As we partake in communion, we're reminded of this ultimate act of love and sacrifice. It serves as a powerful motivator for us to live lives worthy of this calling, to value God's kingdom above all else, and to be willing to sacrifice for its advancement.

Growing with God's kingdom is not always easy. We will face opposition, both external and internal. There will be times when we feel weak, when the "weeds" seem to be choking out our growth. But we can take heart, knowing that God is faithful. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.

As we go about our daily lives, let's be mindful of the bigger picture. Every act of obedience, every moment spent in prayer or studying God's word, every opportunity we take to share our faith – these are all part of the growth of God's kingdom. We may feel small, like a mustard seed, but in God's hands, we have the potential to make a significant impact.

Let's challenge ourselves to truly value God's kingdom above all else. To be willing to "sell everything" – to reorder our priorities, to make sacrifices, to step out in faith – for the sake of this priceless treasure. As we do so, we'll find ourselves growing alongside God's kingdom, becoming more effective instruments in His hands, and experiencing the abundant life He promises.

Remember, the growth of God's kingdom and our personal spiritual growth are intricately connected. As we nurture our own faith, we contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom. And as we work to further God's kingdom, we find ourselves growing in ways we never imagined possible. It's a beautiful, synergistic relationship that brings glory to God and fulfillment to our lives.

So let's embrace this journey of growth, challenges and all. For in doing so, we participate in something far greater than ourselves – the unfolding of God's eternal plan for humanity and creation.