The Weekly Perspective
by TJ Draper, Deacon
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight…”
In the gospel reading today, Jesus reveals the nature of His kingdom. It is not of this world, and therefore, traditional, worldly tactics will not be employed.
The apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10, “ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”
Our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with principalities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. It’s easy to focus on government overreach and wars and rumors of wars. Of course, politics are not to be ignored, but we must be careful to not be distracted from even more important things.
James tells us in James 3, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom … the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
We proclaim the gospel message, “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” And we do so through good conduct with meekness and wisdom. So when you are tempted to focus too much on the fleshly front, remember these words of Christ, and of Paul and James. You bring a message of peace. Live peaceably with all men to the extent possible on your part.