“for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [what one likes], but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. “Romans 14:17 AMP
One of the main character traits of Jesus ministry was the message that the Kingdom of God was at hand! Many that day thought he was talking about political deliverance and the establishing of a physical kingdom or physical prosperity and power. They could not have been more wrong! Jesus Himself gave the answer,
“Now having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display; 21nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence].” Luke 17:20-21 AMP
The Apostle Paul now clarifies the issue when in the previous verses he talks about caring for others.
“therefore, let us no longer judge one another, instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister: Romans 14:13 AMP
Those who still thought that the Kingdom of God was a physical state of plenty and pleasure are hit with reality that it is all about the inner man and not the fulfillment of the outer man! He goes on to tell us,
“So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.” Romans 14:19 AMP
I can hear the words of our Savior loud and clear, “love your neighbor as yourself!” The Apostle James wrote in hi Epistle,
“f, however, you are [really] fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, if you have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]” you are doing well.” James 2:8 AMP
In order to fulfill that command you must die to self and promote the good of others. That wasn’t at all what most of the world has in mind today. Even in the church are found those who have not learned the secret of surrendering to God and that is ok. We are all on the journey together and Paul clearly reminds us of this fact!
“Now we who are strong [in our convictions and faith] ought to [patiently] put up with the weaknesses of those who are not strong, and not just please ourselves. 2Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his [a]neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually” Romans 15:1-2 AMP
I pray today that we might all hear the call to service of others clearly for in doing do we fulfill the reality that the Kingdom of God in indeed among us! Have a selfless day! Pastor Ken