Kingdom carriers. I don’t always appreciate the calling. Like yesterday, for instance.
I didn’t want to go to church. I did … want to go. But then I didn’t. Want to. But then I actually did…go…because, well, church is what I do, despite my fleshly wants.
My “want to” for doing church noticed a shift once I realized that yet another “thing” would be required of me upon entering its doors. In the fray and busy of a Christmas week, I forgot about my scheduled turn to teach during the children’s church portion of the service—a portion that coincides with the morning message.
The thought of missing out on the nourishment and rest that accompanies my spirit with the hearing of God’s Word sent my mood into a sudden and downward spiral. I didn’t want the responsibility of feeding God’s children. I wanted to be fed. I didn’t want to share my faith with anyone. Rather, I wanted to sit with it in isolation … in quiet communion. Just me and God and the words of Preacher Billy admonishing me with the truth of scripture.
It was a quick descent into the pit of “poor me.” But just as quickly as I arrived, another thought arrived, crowding its way onto the stage of my pity. Something about the little children and the kingdom of heaven belonging to such as these (Matthew 19:14). I briefly fought to “stuff it” … to bury it beneath my annoyance, but kingdom reminders aren’t the burying kind. They are meant to surface … especially when they’ve been freshly tilled within the soil of a heart.
My heart.
I spent a portion of my Saturday evening in preparation for our upcoming Spring Bible study, Beth Moore’s Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. Per usual, Beth challenges the heart with some hard-hitting questions. My homework centered on an application exercise involving several “kingdom” related scriptures. Beth asks the reader to peruse said scriptures and then to determine whether or not the verses are to be applied “figuratively, spiritually, literally, or not at all” as they pertain to the life of a believer.
I eagerly took to the diversion. After all, I’m a kingdom talker. If you’ve been a reader of my words for any length of time, you know that I frequently and liberally implore the use of “kingdom language” in my writings. There’s something regal and royal and divinely “other” that paints with its use. But for all of the ways I can nobly script God’s kingdom, for all of the twists and turns of my poetic vernacular, none speaks more majestically then when my kingdom talking turns into kingdom walking.
Luke’s Gospel confirms such truth.
“Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is within you.’” (Luke 17:20-21).
Am I walking God’s kingdom, or am I simply trying to impress others with its language? Do I believe God’s kingdom to be a literal housing within my flesh or simply a figurative and spiritually-speaking “dainty” attached to my feeble frame in hopes of prettying up my perimeter? Are the noble bloodlines of a King running within and throughout my veins, or does my blood bleed a temporal illegitimacy awaiting adoption?
Have I come to a place of deeper understanding … of fully receiving the truth of what I’ve been given as a believer in Jesus Christ? Have you?—come to some conclusions in the matter of God’s kingdom and his bestowing of it upon you?
Our walk embodies our answer. Thus, the question.
Are we merely kingdom talkers, or are we walking it out? Are our lives figuratively filled with kingdom language, or are our lives literally filled with the living, breathing sovereignty of a King and a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28)? Are we approaching life with the perspective that our everyday occurrences with everyday people are better served by their coming into contact with the kingdom of God living within us?
If our answer is yes, if in fact we believe that we are the keepers of God’s Light and the tenders of his sacred wick (see Bethlehem’s Light), then our lives should walk more reverent … more intentional, and more aware of the sacred responsibility that we’ve been allowed.
We are kingdom carriers—those entrusted with the keys accordingly (Matthew 16:19). Wherever we walk, we carry the unshakeable, trustworthy, regal and royal throne of our God with us. We bring God’s kingdom to the world via our flesh (2 Corinthians 6:16). And once we come to his conclusion on the matter of our noble conferment, our flesh becomes all the more eager to concede its will to the kingdom cause.
To the little children and to the many others who so desperately need the intersection of God’s throne with their fragile becoming.
We bring that intersection, friends. It is our privilege to do so. God has entrusted us with the responsibility. Accordingly, our “wants” take a back seat to his. At least they should. Flesh and faith will always make for an odd mix; still and yet, they are the divine coupling that so often yields eternal results.
God has chosen to allow his kingdom to live its pulse within and throughout our feeble and our fragile. A kingdom not of the burying kind, but rather one made for the blossoms and inheritance that comes with walking our sacred bloodlines. Whether we walk with a ready heart or with a reluctant obedience, the kingdom of God was given to be given.
Carry him well, this week. Carry him willingly into the New Year. Carry him knowing that the kingdom he has seeded in you is one of everlasting worth and in need of your liberality in this coming season of influence. Thus, I pray…
Keep me from my isolation, God, from my thinking that your kingdom exists for me alone. Forgive me when I am selfish of its bestowing upon another, especially your children. Grow in me my understanding of what it means to be your kingdom carrier. Humbly, I surrender my flesh for the cause. Replace my little with your much, and seed my heart with a willingness to intersect humanity the royal and regal of your welcoming grace. I feel so unfit to house your kingdom. Thank you for the cross that continues to call me worthy of such an honor. Amen.
Copyright © December 2008 – Elaine Olsen. All rights reserved.
My prayer lately has been Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.
thank you so much for pointing the way to Jesus my beloved sister..for sharpening us, for encouraging us in our spiritual walk towards the Promised Land, to be light in this dark world.
((hugs))
I have caught myself sporting this same brand of ugly a few times over the last few months. Tired of giving and ready to get, if you know what I mean. It IS our privilege to give from the treasure we carry; I appreciate the reminder as I head into this new year with which I’m certain will be filled with nothing but opportunity to do just that.
Hugs friend,
Melinda
P.S. Cameras – the exact same ones! Hopefully, you’ll be seeing the fruit of that gift over the coming months! :o)
Kingdom talking breathes so much easier than Kingdom walking. It was the truths you expressed here that royally awakened in my heart last year. Far too much of my Kingdom living was words – either written or spoken. They flow easy. Growing up in a Christian home I knew the answers, but my heart wasn't there. Although the conviction of this reality hit hard and silenced me for a long time – not able to speak the truth until it truly took residence in my heart – the Lord has been helping me live what I believe. Such a vast difference between knowing the truth, and knowing The Truth!
So thankful our church has two morning services. When it's my turn to teach the little ones, I still have opportunity to sit in on the other morning service.
Praying today that as I carry His Kingdom with me, my life will give testimony to the King I serve and love.
Love & prayers always my friend,
Joy
(Wearing your necklace today and trusting in His peace.)
I choose to live “literally filled with the living, breathing sovereignty of a King and a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28)”. My inspiring this is as we venture inot this week…into this new year. Your words (God’ words) so empower me. Thank you.
In His Graces~Pamela
My prayer over the past few months has been that people would see Christ when they see me. Something, I must admit, that I haven’t been so good at lately. Sometimes I think we take too lightly the responsibility we have been given. This is definitely something that I have been struggling with lately. Sometimes our passion, or lack of, can send the wrong messages to those around us.
My prayer this morning was that God would show me where HE needs me – regardless of where I want to be! My hope is that it will be somewhere that I can be filled while I am pouring out.
Happy New Year!
I remember a former pastor once saying how important it is that we change our "want to" when it collides with God's will. That stuck with me, and now here you are elaborating even further.
My personal want tos often get in the way of God's best for my life. What a struggle!
Good thoughts & prayer, my friend.
Kathleen
Mrs. Elaine, I was very blessed by this post:) I understand the need to have a servant heart, and to show others’ Christ’s love in us. I want to always have a right attitude too.
I think that ya’ll coming to TN will be a blessing to you! I will be doing invitro, more than likely, in May. So, I may be pregnant when ya’ll come:) I would like for my man and I to meet up with you all:) I am blessed that the Lord caused me to “meet” you:)
katiegfromtennessee
I sometimes don’t like being a “kingdom carrier” either. It imposes on my carnal self and creates a battle between my wants and God’s plan for me. I appreciated the reminder that sacrifice for the kingdom is a much better calling than pursuing my own desires.
Oh, this earthly tent we call the flesh! Thanks for the peek into your struggle – it was a full-length mirror for this believer. What a wonderful God we serve; I am so glad He made us to travel this road together. We’ll get there, Sister!
PS – Miss Pretty-in-Purple is absolutely scrumptious!!!
wifeforthejourney:
You are, indeed, “walking the kingdom” with all sincerity and good grace. For me and for our family, your walk is a constant source of encouragement. It is my hope and intention to carry Christ with me today and into every season of this life. Thanks for being the best possible companion for this journey God has called us too!
Love,
Billy
Thank you Elaine. These words hit home. It is so easy to just want to sit and bask in hearing the word. Sometimes there is a call to action we need to heed.
Have a Wonderful New Year full of Blessings,
Marita
Thanks for sharing the struggle. I love hearing how others don’t want to do church either! It helps me feel not so alone. I too often seek isolation verses an intimate Kingdom walk. Thank you Elaine.
Elaine,
As I have been pondering the things that have happened in my life in 2008 I have found myself longing for 2009 to be a year that finds me emboldened and impassioned for Jesus. Was I bold enough for Him in 2008–most likely NOT. Was I passionate enough about Him in 2008–NO.
I like your terminology–kingdom carriers. That is exactly what I desire to be in 2009!!
Great post.
Leah
Boy, can I relate to this! OH boy, ever so much! Just what I needed to hear today.
As I embrace His Kingdom within, I often ask myself how long did I step out of His Kingdom, or how long did it take me to come back. Our flesh challenges us every moment, but as we truly seek to be walking about His Kingdom we find that our funks, not wanting or willing are often short lived. Amen!!
Oh, I am so with you in needing to be kept from isolation. How I need Him to teach me what it means to be the daughter of the King! What responsibilities does that entail…and perhaps more importantly, what resources does it promise, to make those responsibilities bearable and even joyous?
So much to learn…
I had a moment of poor pitiful me just on Sunday. Our pastor and wife are out of town and so that means all adult Sunday school classes come together so my husband wanted to foreit. I didn’t and so we went…well going put me to the test like no body’s business…and then I so needed a good talking to.
Mercy and grace as we walk as Kingdom walkers!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
One of my favorite posts of yours, dear friend. You keep amazing me!
The photo is truly priceless ~ actually all of them.
Hugs! Go on, give yourself a big squeeze from Sunny-land.
🙂
Oh, my…you have been “reading my mail,” girl! I had some church issues myself on Sunday…
Guilty of a bad attitude. Guilty of talking the talk, but not walking the walk. My dad used to quote a poem called, Living Sermon. I believe I need to reread that and have a little attitude adjustment.
Praying for God’s kingdom to be seen in me.
God bless you in the new year!
Oh, yes. Been there. Maybe I didn’t heed the call to let go of my annoyance as well as you did, friend. But this helps.
Kingdom Carriers. I love it. Makes me feel the weight. The holy responsibility.
But in a good way.
I will carry Him with me into 2009.
New Year’s blessing to you, dear one!
Love,
Laura
Oh, Elaine, I too am about to venture into Ester!!! We will have to have an online discussion!!!
Never fear… your words are well recieved!!! Thanks for sharing your journey… it helps the rest of us to know we are not alone!!
In Him,
Sharon
Wow…thanks for the reminder that the Kingdom of God is within the hearts of believers. When we pray, thy kingdom come, it takes on new meaning when we realize it is within us.
I seem to battle with the church thing most every Saturday night. It’s getting old though because it’s the same typical excuse… what am I going to wear. Thank goodness my flesh loses the battle every time.
As I read your closing words, something Aimee (my baby sister) said to me this morning came flashing back…”Mary carried Jesus FOR the world…so that we (modern day Mary’s) could carry HIM TO THE WORLD!”
YOu are a blessing 🙂
Oh I want to to be that Kingdom carrier, every where God leads.
I fail miserably, but His call is always without repentance.
Thanks once again for such a challenging and thought provoking post.
Oh, and thanks also being so KIND in your comments Elaine! You always bless me tremendously.
Happy New Year my friend!
Believing for many wonderful things for you.
PS I was at Best Buy tonight looking at that Flip Ultra, putting in my birthday request!!
Kingdom carriers… I hadn’t thought of it quite like that before. Neat thought. With God’s help, I am walking the kingdom walk, though sometimes I admit it is with reluctance. Thanks for the reminder of what a privilege it is. God bless you in the new year, Elaine!
Ouch! Been there. This stings with conviction. Many times my wants have gotten in the way of God's desires for me. I am longing to submit myself to His will in the coming year like never before. (Praying for an extrea measure of strength and grace to help keep the Me monster at bay.
Thanks for sharing & pointing us upward…
I think what God has been showing me this year is that the only thing I have worthy of giving another is Him.
Sounds simple I know….but it has been profound in my inner person.
After our time at the last church I really did not want to give. I was so drained/burned out. That just gave me a thought I will have to follow up on……but back to my comment. I really just wanted to sit…to be able to take in without having duties. It really has given me a real appreciation for our Sunday school teacher….love her…she reminds me a lot of myself.
I do miss the fire that comes while teaching. Maybe one day He will take me back there…if so that is fine. If not I pray I am moving in the direction He is leading.
I used to hate missing out on the sermon too. Our pastor remedied that by having children s church right after greeting and before our music. It gave me the chance to enjoy both. And I was always surprised how many adults said they got so much out of childrens church.
So for now I will carry the kingdom in a new way……not sure exactly what it is yet….but in His time He will reveal it.
May we all be lighthouses this coming year.
RYC….sorry your comment got lost. I would have loved to hear it. DOn’t you just hate when that happens? 🙂
Oh, yes. I have definitely been there. It’s easy – and hard – to push those kingdom issues to the bottom of the pile, but we mustn’t. Thank you, dear Elaine, for this reminder.
Dear Elaine – I was on the plane to see family when I read this verse…
“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV
When I wondered what I could give to my family… I realized that God had called me to pray and supply…
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