Called to Stand OutНамуна

Back in Jesus’ day, people were desperate for freedom. They were tired of living under the weight of Roman rule—tired of the injustice, the control, the violence. So when they heard talk about the Kingdom of God, they assumed it meant a political revolution. They wanted Rome out, and God in. Simple.

But Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome. He came to bring a different kind of Kingdom—one that was not defined by power or politics, but by presence. His presence!

And here is what He told them: “The Kingdom of God is not something you can point to or track with your eyes. It’s already here. It’s among you. It’s within you.”

Translation: You don’t have to wait for circumstances to change before you start living like you belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. You just have to decide who you are going to follow.

And honestly? That is just as true today!

Every generation has its version of Rome. Its version of opposition to the things of God. Its version of “truth” that twists what God actually said. We live in a world that constantly feeds us messages about what it means to be successful, desirable, fulfilled, and happy. And those messages sound convincing! They come wrapped in music, movies, social media, influencers, and trending quotes that sound inspirational—but contradict everything Jesus taught.

That is the tension: the world is loud. And its version of truth is everywhere. But God’s Kingdom is still in our midst! Still here. Still within reach. And it is asking you to live differently.

So, when the world says, “Chase success at all costs,” and Jesus says, “Die to yourself,” which truth will you believe? When culture says, “Do what makes you happy,” and Scripture says, “Be holy as I am holy,” which voice will you follow?

You cannot live by both kingdoms. You were not made to!

The Kingdom of God is not flashy. It is not trendy. But it is real! And it is right here—right now—inviting you to stop chasing what the world says is true and start standing in the truth that never changes.

Reflection Question: Where in your life are you most tempted to believe the world’s version of truth—and what would it look like to fully live under the truth of God’s Kingdom instead?