Living Kingdom Now: Unlocking Our Dual Citizenship
Hey #BeyondTheWalls family! How often do we get caught up in the here and now, the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, and forget the incredible reality of our spiritual citizenship? Today, let’s dive deep into understanding our dual citizenship – our existence in both the natural world and the spiritual world – and how embracing this truth empowers us to truly live the Kingdom Now.
We often hear the call: “Don’t wait ’til the battle is over! Shout NOW!” This isn’t just about future glory; it’s about recognizing that as Kingdom citizens, even while we walk this earth, the Kingdom of Heaven is already within and around us. We aren’t just waiting to go to the Kingdom; we are called to live as citizens of Heaven on earth. As Matthew 6:10 reminds us, we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This isn’t a distant hope; it’s our present calling.
KEY VERSE: “And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the1 end come.” (Matthew 24:14)2
Think about it: from the moment Jesus began His ministry, His message was clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). The Kingdom wasn’t a far-off concept; it was at hand. And as believers, we are now part of this invisible Kingdom, a spiritual reality that coexists with the physical world we see and touch.
Dual Citizenship: Navigating Two Worlds
Every person on this earth holds a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the natural world, the realm of our physical senses – what we can see, feel, touch, hear, and taste. Our country, city, neighborhood – these define our natural belonging. We navigate its systems, experience its joys and sorrows, and interact with its people.
But there’s another world, a spiritual world, just as real, though unseen by our physical eyes. Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 15:44: “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” As beings created in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:27), we are more than just flesh and blood.
Man: A Spiritual Being in a Natural World
“All men have a natural body which lives in the natural world. But man is also a spiritual being with an eternal soul and spirit. Man is body, soul, and spirit.”3 This profound truth from 1 Thessalonians 5:23 highlights our triune nature. We are not just physical beings; we possess a spirit that connects us to the spiritual realm.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”4 This verse underscores the importance of our spiritual dimension. We are created in His likeness and image, making us triune beings ourselves – spirit, soul, and body – intrinsically linked to the spiritual world. Just as our bodies are part of the natural world, our spirits are part of a spiritual world that is just as real, if not more so.
Living Kingdom Now: Embracing Our Spiritual Authority
Understanding this dual citizenship is key to unlocking our potential as believers. We are not just surviving in the natural world, waiting for our heavenly reward. We are active citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, even now! This understanding empowers us to:
- Pray with Kingdom Authority: Knowing we are connected to a real, powerful spiritual realm infuses our prayers with a new level of faith and expectation.
- Live with Kingdom Purpose: Our actions in the natural world are not just mundane; they have eternal significance as we represent the values and principles of the Kingdom.
- See with Kingdom Eyes: We begin to perceive the spiritual realities at play in our everyday lives, understanding that there is more happening than what meets the physical eye.
- Impact the Natural World with Spiritual Power: As citizens of Heaven, we carry a spiritual authority that can influence the natural realm for God’s glory.
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Let’s Reflect:
- How does understanding your dual citizenship change the way you view your daily life?
- In what ways can you be more intentional about living as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven in your current circumstances?
- What steps can you take to cultivate a greater awareness of the spiritual world around you?
Join the conversation below! We’re all on this journey of Living Kingdom Now, embracing our identity as citizens of Heaven impacting the earth for His glory. Let’s encourage one another as we navigate this incredible reality, beyond the walls of our physical limitations and into the boundless realm of God’s Kingdom.
