The video version of the blog is here.
As the Kingdom of God unfolds around the world, we are watching people occupy their roles in different mountains. We are seeing great victories and great warfare at the same time. Equality is one of the ideological and spiritual battlegrounds that is very confusing for believers. In the Declaration of Independence there is a popular quote:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
This concept is Biblical and has roots in verses like these:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3:28-29 NIV
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. Acts 10:34-35 NIV
There are no classes in the Kingdom. The invitation goes out to everyone, and we serve a God who is not willing that any should perish. It’s just as true that not everyone accepts the invitation.
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt 22:14 KJV
God simply chooses those who chose Him. His favor is directed toward those who favor Him. God really does resist the proud and he really does promote the humble. We are not equal in our decisions to accept God’s favor, and the result is that some don’t grow at all, while others multiply 30-, 60- and 100-fold. When we touch the Kingdom, we find that it is full of opportunity and growth and multiplication and fruit. One of the challenges is having a heart that will accept that level of favor and pay the price to receive it. We are fearful of our own promotion and fearful of getting left behind at the same time. We find a bizarre security if everyone is equally mediocre. The concept of holding people back from the greatness that God intends is promoted in communism, most world religions, and traditional management theory governing the workplace. The one requirement for ministry (helping other achieve their potential in Christ) is that you have to either extend a hand and pull them up to your level, or be willing to let them stand on your shoulders so they can go beyond your level. We are not equal; we are called to different mountains, different levels of authority and different assignments even though we are on one team.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Rom 12:3-6 NIV
Teamwork – One of the trademarks of “Kingdom” is that we’re not trying to get everyone to conform to the same mold, engage in the same ministry or even believe the same thing. We’re helping them touch the unique desire that God wrote in their hearts, and the goal is for them to become themselves and achieve their own identity in Christ. Christianity is not a factory where we stamp out compliant servants who all support the same vision. There is a level of greatness in the measure that God has given each one of us. What is exciting about Kingdom is discovering the treasure that resides in these earthen vessels. There is a huge anointing on finding and releasing those unique anointings right now.
The very next revelation we bump into when “Kingdom” finally dawns in our hearts is that it’s not surprising to meet people who are somehow above us in influence or prosperity or fruitfulness. It is very liberating to finally realize that those brothers and sisters are on my team and that I am not competing with them – I can promote them to even greater heights. It feels really good and it’s a Kingdom experience that we are all being invited to taste. John the Baptist and Jesus both stepped aside to make room for something greater; it’s in our hearts to do the very same thing. The essence of the Kingdom is that it continually grows and becomes better, bigger, and sweeter with each generation.
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 KJV
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4 NIV
Receiving Promotion – There is uniqueness and greatness on our personal life. The paradox of life in the Kingdom is that promotion into our destiny comes as we humble ourselves in a way that promotes others. Practically, it means that the veil has been pulled back so that we can see what God has written in the hearts of other people. And, we can help them unpack that treasure and help make their dream come true. That is the definition of leadership, management, promotion and greatness because it’s a very high priority in the Father’s heart. He is releasing His sons and daughters into their destinies and their mountains for the sake of nations. It’s not just about us; we’re bringing His Kingdom to earth. It’s in the heart of God to make our name great… the minute we connect the dots between His Kingdom plan and the treasure He’s hidden in the hearts of His people.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 NIV
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Gen 12:2 NIV
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13-14 NIV
Humility is accepting the grace and greatness that God has placed on your life… and knowing why His favor rests on you.
