WHERE KINGDOM BUILDING BEGINS

God has been speaking to me a lot lately about the real meaning behind phrases like; the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and doing Kingdom work.

This seems to be a continuing topic in the “religious” community. However, I am learning that Kingdom work was never meant to be limited to what we consider religious activity.

I have been praying and asking God what Kingdom building truly looks like.

One of the most important things Jesus says is:

“The kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:21 (KJV)

That says something powerful to me.

When we are searching for the Kingdom of God, maybe one of the first places we need to look is within.

The mirror becomes a place of reflection—a place where I can examine whether my life reflects the values of God’s Kingdom.

Often, we are looking for a place, but rarely do we look at the person.

I have to ask myself: When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” how is God’s will going to be demonstrated on earth?

It has to point, at least in part, to US.

How we live.

How we love.

How we forgive.

How we treat people.

How we respond when we are hurt.

How we use what God has placed in our hands.

Jesus repeatedly says, “The Kingdom of God is like…”

The Kingdom is like a mustard seed — Matthew 13:31–32

It starts small but grows into something much larger.

That tells me that Kingdom work does not always require grandeur. We don’t necessarily have to hold a title—bishop, evangelist, preacher, imam, priest, pastor, or anything else.

We just need to be willing to plant something that makes the world better, brighter, more loving, more peaceful, and more reflective of God.

Sometimes Kingdom work starts with one small seed.

One act of kindness.

One person forgiven.

One person fed.

One person encouraged.

One person loved.

One person who sees God differently because of how they encountered God through you.

The Kingdom is like leaven (yeast) — Matthew 13:33

A little yeast works its way through the entire batch of dough.

That made me ask: What is working its way through me?

What is inside my heart?

Transformation starts from within and eventually works its way outward.

What seeds do I need God to uproot so there is room for fruitful things to grow?

What hurt, trauma, bitterness, anger, fear, or offense is taking up space that God wants to fill with something healthier?

What is fermenting inside of me?

Because eventually, whatever is inside of us finds its way into how we speak, how we love, how we lead, and how we treat people.

The Kingdom is like treasure hidden in a field — Matthew 13:44

This one really stands out to me.

The Bible tells us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also.

So I have to ask myself:

Where is my treasure?

What is so important to me that I would give up almost anything for it?

Would I give up my family for a million dollars?

Would I give up a million dollars for my health?

Would I sacrifice my health for fame?

Would I give up God for fame, money, success, relationships, or even family?

What brings me the most joy?

These are real questions because the answers reveal where our hearts are and what we truly value.

The Kingdom is like a pearl of great price — Matthew 13:45–46

Again, I have to ask:

What is the pearl in my life that I consider to be of greatest value?

And does what I say I value match how I actually live?

Because our priorities will eventually reveal our pearls.

The Kingdom is like a net thrown into the sea — Matthew 13:47–50

The net gathers fish of every kind.

This one challenged me.

We have to be careful that we don't become selective about the kind of “fish” we think should be allowed in the net.

Sometimes we want to decide who is worthy of God.

Who belongs.

Who doesn't.

Who looks saved enough.

Who acts saved enough.

Who believes exactly the way we believe.

Who is worthy of grace.

But that is not our assignment.

We are not the ones who cast people out of God's reach.

Our responsibility is to love, serve, share, and reflect God while allowing God to do the separating.

We have to be careful that we don't become selective net catchers.

The Kingdom is like seed growing in the ground — Mark 4:26–29

God is growing things that we cannot always see or explain.

But this also made me think about the seeds that have already been planted in us.

What we plant grows—good or bad, weed or fruit.

Sometimes things were planted in us by someone else.

Sometimes what was planted was not our choice.

Sometimes seeds were planted when we were children, before we were old enough to understand what was happening.

Sometimes things were planted so deeply that we didn't even realize they were there.

But eventually, what is planted beneath the ground begins to show above the surface.

God wants us to grow the things that reflect Him:

Goodness

.Love

Forgiveness

Peace

Joy

Mercy

Compassion

Grace

All of these considerations are important if we are serious about bringing the values of the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.

And then the Word says:

Matthew 6:33:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

And Romans 14:17 reminds us:

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

So, when I put all of these things together, I come to this conclusion:

If our intention is truly to build the Kingdom of God, perhaps the first construction site is the person staring back at us in the mirror.

That means some demolition may have to take place before rebuilding can begin.

Some old structures may have to come down.

Some damaged foundations may need repair.

Some things we have carried for years may no longer belong in the building God is creating.

And maybe this is where we can finally start investing in that old church tradition, we called the “building fund.”

Except this time, WE are the building.

And the investment looks a little different.

Good replacing wrong.

Peace replacing bitterness and confusion.

Joy replacing sorrow.

Forgiveness replacing offense.

Empathy replacing judgment.

Restoration replacing wounds.

Love replacing hate.

Maybe Kingdom building is not always about building another church.

Maybe sometimes Kingdom building is about allowing God to rebuild us.

Because if His Kingdom is going to be reflected on earth, then perhaps it begins with the Kingdom being reflected in me.

So today, before I ask God what Kingdom work, He wants me to do out there, I am asking Him:

God, what Kingdom work still needs to be done in here?

And I am starting with the person in the mirror.