This month I was struggling with the thought that I did not once directly talk about Jesus or the Gospel to anyone outside of my team or host family. I mean what kind of missionary does not talk about Jesus? I want to spread kingdom wherever I go; I mean that’s what it’s all about. I am pretty sure I failed this month because I did not say the name of Jesus.
It is so sweet though. The Lord reminded me that kingdom can be spread in so many more ways than you can imagine. And when we are working under His name, He is going to use our works for His good and His glory. So, I took a closer look at where, when, and how kingdom is built and expanded. Here’s what I discovered:
Kingdom is found in…
Dirty hands
Vulnerability
Joy
Sore muscles
Laughter
Slobbery grins
Friendships
Kissing a baby’s forehead Washing dishes
Sorting laundry
Smiling at a woman selling bananas
Pain
Tired feet
Giving money away that you need
Peek-a-boo
Long hours
Singing
Sitting with someone
Running in the rain with strangers
Pushing a swing
Carrying one last load of cement
Cooking arepas
Walking arm and arm down a dirt road
Kingdom is built where Jesus is, and, since He lives in us, Kingdom can be built in whatever we put our hands, minds, or efforts towards.
Kingdom is simply built by doing what Jesus would do, acting in love, giving yourself and your comforts up, humbling yourself and exalting him, serving, being usable, being obedient.
It is really simple.
It doesn’t take a well thought out speech or millions of dollars. It is not constant miracles or intense emotions. While those things build kingdom also, it is really as simple as everyday actions being done with a deep and great amount of love for the Father and for others.
Matthew 25:35-40
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
