Once upon a time, there was a kingdom in a realm similar to our own.
This kingdom was called the Kingdom of Light and was ruled by a gracious, just King. He was well-known throughout all the realms for His unfailing love and His never-ending patience. This patience came in handy, especially when He was dealing with the citizens of His kingdom - they often rebelled against Him and disobeyed His commands. However, their transgressions never lessened His love for them. On the contrary - His pursuit for their hearts increased when they drew away from Him.
The citizens of the Kingdom of Light did not live separately from the other realms. They lived amongst citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness in a location known as the King's footstool, or Earth. There were distinct differences between the citizens of the two kingdoms - you could tell them apart by simply looking at them or talking to them. It is not as if the citizens of Light made an effort to be different, they just were. Citizens of Darkness could not quite put their finger on it - was it that tangible, incomprehensible peace that the Light citizens had? Or was it their open attitude, or their loving manner? They could not define it, but something was obviously different. Better, even - the citizens of Light did not bother themselves with things of this earth. It was as if they had been called for a greater purpose, as if they lived their lives to glorify their King.
The Kingdom of Darkness could not live in peace with the Kingdom of Light. Where the Light was, the Darkness had to flee. The differences between the two kingdoms were so great that they were total opposites of each other.
Where Darkness viewed wealth, status and comfort as things to desire and attain, Light viewed those things as futile. Darkness looked down upon citizens displaying humility, but Light received honour from their King when they were humble. Even their views on money, possessions, death and love were different! The citizens of Light greeted opposition with kindness and compassion, confusing Darkness - why weren't they fighting back? Why didn't they get angry when they were persecuted for being in the Light?
The citizens of Light were not content with only living amongst the Darkness. No. They shared the principles and the message of their kingdom with the Darkness citizens, because their King loved everyone, even the citizens of Darkness. Their King wanted everyone to live in the Kingdom of Light with Him for eternity. He knew that death and destruction awaited the citizens of Darkness if they did not turn from their ways.
That was why He sent eleven of His citizens of Light into the Darkness, instructing them to proclaim the Good News to the citizens on a southern continent in His Kingdom. The eleven witnessed countless occurrences where their King showed His great power by providing for them. He also constantly reminded them of His love and of His faithfulness, gently freeing them of things that threatened to draw them into the Darkness.
He reminded this citizen of His great love for me during my first two weeks in Jamaica. My King took me through the basis of my salvation, showing me all the things He had saved me from. Boundless joy flooded my veins as I was supernaturally energized by this revelation - I now possess a fresh desire and passion to proclaim the Good News to a world in need.
And so, dear reader, you must ask yourself: to which Kingdom do you belong? Do you serve your King with all of your mind, soul and strength? Do you know the depth of the salvation which you possess?
My King desires intimacy with His citizens - He wants a close and personal relationship with each one of them and wants to bless them. Blessing refers to anything that brings perfection, righteousness and satisfaction. The enemy of the King is not the Prince of Darkness. No. His greatest enemy is "I" - it is the cause of sin as a result of pride. And what is a Son of God? A man that is void of "I".
When we are born into the Kingdom of Light, we receive an inheritance and Kingdom rights. Often we sacrifice our Kingdom rights for earthly desires. We must ask ourselves: are we willing to surrender our earthly rights (food, safety, privacy, etc.) in order to advance the Kingdom?
I was so challenged by these principles and questions in the last week. My King has shown me that I am immortal until He decides to take me home. I live by a different standard than those in the Kingdom of Darkness - this upside-down kingdom is completely opposite to the world.
Are you ready to live apart from this world? For a man must be willing to GIVE what he cannot KEEP in order to GAIN what he cannot LOSE...