THE KINGDOM: RELATIONAL
The Kingdom of God is nothing, if not relational. It begins and continues with a vital relationship between God and man. The moment we are related to God through the new both we are simultaneously related to one another, whether on earth or in heaven. When you and I are connected with God, we are immediately connected spiritually with like citizens on earth and in heaven. As our relationships on earth are changed, due to our citizenship in the Kingdom, our relationships include those in heaven. We are part of “all the saints”. We have been changed from the common to the cosmic!
As this idea is soaking in our souls, we will find it more difficult to exclude any fellow Kingdom citizens from our circle of love and cooperation. We are all part of the same Kingdom, universal and infinite. We are part of one another and parts together comprising the unending Kingdom. We must give up the philosophy behind the adage:
To live above with saints we love,
Now that will be glory!
To live below with saints we know,
Now that’s another story.!
It’s not another story; it’s a part of the whole story and a glorious part as we learn to enjoy, not endure, Kingdom relationships here and now. “As it is in heaven”, the scope contained in the model prayer (Matthew 6:9), will put heaven on exhibit as we “live below with saints we know, exhibiting Kingdom love (agape).
The Kingdom is inherently relational. God’s kingly rule on earth, while including all citizens of the Kingdom, call for a Kingdom, corporate and unified in experiencing and extending. At no time are we to lose the individual facet of our relationship to the government of God on earth. It is from a healthy concept of our individual relationships to the King and His Kingdom that we facilitate the corporate aspects as well.
I must think “cosmic” and if I don’t I will narrow and diminish my concepts and practice of life until I am alone and left out of the wider plan of God.
I am not sure what all it will involve, but I feel strongly that God’s greatest waiting initiatives are held in check until we report For duty.
For my part, count me in! Reporting for duty, Sir! Oh, by the way, the “relational” designation covers both the personal and corporate!
Jack Taylor
