Two Kingdoms

There have been times that my life has been a wreck. Failing marriage and financially broke with a family to provide for. Today, however, by all American measuring sticks, I have a good life. Healthy family, wife of 21 years, two amazing teenage sons, a good career, and so on. I recognize the wealth that I have been given. Funny thing is, for me and maybe you too, all seasons share this common nagging ache that I’m falling short of my intended purpose or the degree to which I’m supposed to influence the world around me. The real bummer of the deal is that I think I know why and am just not great at implementing it in my life. This is it in Jesus’ words;

Luke 9
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

The “nagging ache” is a result of the focus of my life being on the kingdom of ME. It’s when I try to save MY life, when the emphasis is ME running the show that the disappointment surfaces. Media is fantastic at convincing us of what we need to be content and satisfied, however, the truth is that it can only be found in changing our allegiance from the kingdom of me to the Kingdom of Heaven. When we fully trust in the life and teachings of Jesus as a guide to live our lives and to interact with the world around us, the “nagging ache” transforms into fulfillment. It’s not easy or natural, but so worth it, and if you ever need someone to chat with about what it might look like in your life, we’re here. Just ask. Love y’all. -Jeff

Side note: This is going to be my focus this week and I’ll try to share with you the moments that I find myself wrestling between the two kingdoms.