As Christians, we are called to enlarge and strengthen the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) tells us to, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Jesus was saying the Kingdom of God takes precedence over everything. He said if we put it above all else, the Father will take care of our needs.
Unfortunately, the Church hasn’t been concerned about the Kingdom of God. Too many Christians today are preoccupied with themselves. They are focused on their needs and getting everything they can from God. While there’s nothing wrong with having our needs met, our primary concern should be helping the people around us.
We are to demonstrate the Kingdom of God through our lives. Jesus told us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone,” (Mark 16:15 NLT). This command isn’t only for ministers; it’s for all believers.
Recently, several people talked to me about the wholesale club Costco. They told me how great the store is and how much money they saved. They passionately described the benefits of membership. Sadly, I have heard more people rave about how amazing Costco is than how awesome God is.
Jesus is a life changer! Nothing is better than or can be compared to Him. If we were as excited about Jesus as we were about saving money, imagine what we could do!
The people you live near and work with shouldn’t know about your passions and hobbies but not realize you are a Christian! If that is the case, can you honestly say Jesus is the center of your life?
In Acts 10:38, we see that Jesus—anointed with the Holy Spirit and power—went around doing good. He preached, taught, and healed. I believe Jesus was a nice guy who cared. The Bible says the multitudes thronged Him. Why? Because they came to hear a message from someone who cared. How much do you care?
Every day we come across hurting people—saved and unsaved. We all hurt sometimes. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can help anyone. But even when Jesus was hurting, He cared for others.
In Matthew 14, Herod Antipas ordered the execution of John the Baptist. When Jesus heard the news about His cousin, He went to a remote area to be alone. But scripture says, “The crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. . . . and he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (vv.13–14 NLT).
We can help hurting people, even when we are hurting.Craig W. Hagin
In the midst of His grief, compassion moved Jesus. He cared more about the people than His pain. We can have the same attitude of compassion because Christ lives in us. We can help hurting people, even when we are hurting.
We are called to continue the works of Jesus. What did He do? He cared. The harvest is great in every part of the world. There is a huge harvest field right where you work and live. We may think we don’t know enough or have enough compassion. It’s in us. We need to follow Paul’s advice to Timothy and stir up the gift inside us (2 Tim. 1:6).
If Jesus is the center of your life, you will act like it. You will be excited about Him and want to share the Gospel with others. People need Jesus. They need to hear the Good News—that there is One who came to bring them hope. Ask God to help you have more passion and compassion for the people around you and to make you a blessing every day.
Author
Craig W. Hagin
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