Have you ever let your Christianity become more mechanical than relational? We can get all the gears in the right place and let the engine run until it needs it’s next re-fuel. I don’t know about you, but I occasionally have to re-evaluate my heart to assess if I am trying to build the kingdom of God or a “machine.”
Ministries are great and good Christian lifestyles even better. But it’s easy to miss the point sometimes and serve the “machine” rather than God.
We all have a calling and a role to play in expanding God’s kingdom. Whether it’s in the church or in your sphere of influence outside the church, the best version of you is a ministry to someone.
It is impactful when we discover what we can contribute to the greater cause of the kingdom. The problem is when we become overly obsessed with our accomplishments and miss the bigger picture. This is what I mean by the “machine” of ministry or Christian living.
To God, it really isn’t so important if you are “doing ministry”; it is important if you are seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
If you want to assess whether you are more focused on building your machine or building His kingdom, ask yourself these questions:
1. Are you more driven toward a task list or the throne of God?
Of course we want to succeed in accomplishing goals for the Lord. Life provides ample opportunity for that. But when our good works take precedence over encountering Him in the secret place, welcome to the machine!—we’ve gotten our priorities out of whack.
Like the famous Martha, who was mad because she was working the kitchen while Mary was being “lazy” and “socializing” with Jesus.
But Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part…” (Luke 10:41-42).
- Kingdom-minded people hang out where God is and make Him (not their assignment) their focus.
2. Is your motivation initiated by good ideas or by conviction from the heart of God?
It’s good to come up with plans and strategies. But if our purpose in life is fed by cerebral wisdom, welcome to the machine!—success will be limited by the next trial that outweighs us.
When our purpose comes from a passion and revelation that was birthed by an encounter with God, it will empower us to endure hell and high water, establishing kingdom in every step.
After Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus blessed him. “Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven…upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it,” (Matthew 16:17-18).
- Kingdom-minded people seek to understand God’s heart above human wisdom.
3. Do you ask God to bless what you are doing or do what God is blessing?
“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain,” (Psalm 127:1).
Good ideas are not always God’s ideas.
Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner,” (John 5:19).
We can only accomplish true kingdom works by connecting with what God is already doing. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts,” (Zechariah 4:6).
- Kingdom-minded people seek what God is doing and partner with Him at the expense of their own good ideas.
It is my aim to be more in tune with the Spirit of God and His kingdom around me and less distracted by the busy work of Christian-ism. I hope this is your aim, too, as it will ensure success in releasing God’s kingdom everywhere you go!
What are some ways you keep yourself in check with being kingdom-minded versus ministry-minded?
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