Finding A Kingdom View

I remember when I was in high school and living under my parents guidance... I would ask permission to do something and the response would always be, "when you're eighteen." Each time I would think to myself, "What? Is something magical going to happen when I turn eighteen? Will a magic wand be waved over my head and suddenly I will be wiser and more mature, able to take on the responsibility I was requesting?" As my eighteenth birthday approached I can remember anticipating this moment with anxious excitement, looking forward to being different. The day came and went and sadly I felt no difference. I was the same person my parents had said no to. I thought the same way, made the same choices, inside I felt no change. The only thing that was different was that now my parents saw me as an adult and therefore I was given the freedom that comes with such a title. The responsible daughter had always been responsible. The only thing that changed was my title from "child" to "adult".

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord I think the same thing tends to happen. We expect to feel something different. We expect to be someone else. But the reality is while our core essence may be made new by the choice we have made, our habits, how we think, what we do with our time... are harder to change. It's a life long process of refinement and growth. We may have gained the title of "Christ Follower/Christian" but the Lord still has a lot to accomplish in our lives in order for us to experience the fullness of this title.

One of the attributes that God has been refining in me as a Christ Follower is the ability to see things through God's eyes. When I'm standing in line at the store, driving to a doctor's appointment or listening to the conversations of those around me I find myself asking, "How does God see things? What are His thoughts, His desires, His Kingdom needs right now?" Each time the first thing that tends to happen is an overwhelming feeling of love toward others comes over me. Almost as soon as that feeling surfaces a wave of sadness will follow quickly behind it. Sadness for those who won't spend eternity with Him. Sadness for the hurt and pain brought into the world through sin.

Having a Kingdom View is one in which we strive to see things from God's perspective. We are concerned about the things He is concerned about. We spend time doing the things He would do. We respond to others with the same response He would have. We are more concerned about the needs of His Kingdom then we are about our own needs.

A Kingdom View is an attribute every Christ Follower must obtain but it is an attribute that doesn't come from our title. It is something that has to be developed and sought after. It is an attribute that keeps us grounded and centered in His will. And I believe it is the one attribute that all others flow from. Without a Kingdom View, Christ Followers will never fully experience everything God desires for us. We will never attain the ability to become more closely matched to our Creator.

"Lord, make my eyes new. Let me see what You see. Let me respond in the same way You respond. Let Your priorities be mine. My life is not my own. It is yours."