In my early years as a Christian I was part of a street ministry. One day our group was gathered on the sidewalk near an intersection in a small town. As a minister was preaching, through a microphone, to all the passersby, I noticed two young men dressed in white shirts with ties. They were walking on a sidewalk parallel to where we stood. Immediately I knew they were Mormon missionaries. Today they prefer to be called Latter Day Saints.
Before giving my life to Jesus Christ, my high school friend and I began attending their services for a few months. It was during a time when I was searching for true salvation. I explained my spiritual journey to a man with the title ‘Elder’ at the Mormon church. He told me to pray to God and He would show me the truth. It was something I had already been doing, but after he said it, I was encouraged to keep praying.
Of course, the man was expecting me to be convinced that their doctrine was true and that I should join their religion. But God had other plans. Long story short-I was led back to the spiritual roots of my childhood-I became a blood bought, Jesus name baptized, Spirit-filled child of God. So, when I saw those two young men in white shirts, my heart cried out for them to be set free from the false gospel they were bound by.
I said a silent prayer, asking God for an opportunity to personally witness to them one day. I knew I had freely received the gospel of salvation and I was called to freely share it with others that I could reach. Within a year God answered my prayer. The two young men stood at our doorstep and my husband invited them into our home. It wouldn’t be the last time either.
The next time they came, the oldest one was sounding more like a truth seeker than a missionary for a false faith. This time he wasn’t focused on pushing a false religion but he was asking serious questions about our faith in Jesus Christ. He was hungry for the reality of truth. Let me explain a little of the backstory to this God ordained encounter.
During this season of my life I had a wonderful and spiritually vibrant church family. But as in any environment every thing wasn’t perfect. I had listened to a few Christians explain their reason for not allowing Mormon missionaries into their homes. Misconceptions they had of a few scriptures led them to their false belief. If I hadn’t studied the Word myself, with a ready mind for truth, then I may have never shared the gospel face to face with those two young men.
Mind Ready For Truth
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11
The Word of God and His Spirit will always agree. When we read scriptures with a carnal mind we will never benefit from the treasures of truth within it. Nor will we be effective ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. What’s more, we may be deceived by the illusion which we have created in our minds and do much harm to others. For instance, if I’d accepted some Christians’ misinterpretation of a few Bible verses then I may have concluded that I should avoid all people of any false religion.
Spiritually Minded
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:5-7
Living Word in Action Jesus ministered to the Jews, the Samaritans, the Pharisees, the Roman soldiers, the publicans, the poor, the sick, and so on. He was no respecter of persons when it came to the gospel of salvation. He also ate with and talked to people of all walks of life, Why? He loved their souls. Even those who rejected him. Yes, he rebuked some of the Pharisees-because he knew what was in their hearts. He is the Living Word and discerns everything hidden within the hearts of mankind.
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12(kjv)
Kingdom of Grace
When we study the Bible and start feeling convicted of our sins then it’s time for us to surrender to the Spirit of Truth. Remember God is a good and loving Father. We are his children who always need boundaries and guidance in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And by faith in Him and through the Spirit we will overcome any sin that tries to enslave us. We will walk in liberty when we learn to seek his Kingdom and his Righteousness first in this life.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:31, 32 (kjv)
Knowing the King The only way we can become Kingdom minded is to know the King of Kings personally. Our hearts’ desire should be “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.” Prayer is key in relating to him as our Father and friend. Not just as an acquaintance that we rarely talk to or see. We will see Jesus as he is -high and holy, yet meek and lowly. His beautiful grace teaches our hearts to fear and his grace our fears relieve-as the well known song ‘Amazing Grace’ declares. And that means we can come boldly before his throne and receive grace to help when we need it. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
The King & the Kingdom
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23,24
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17
Have you heard of fixed and growth mindsets? A fixed mindset is basically putting limits on your ability to change or improve. And so, you settle for the 'status quo'. Having a growth mindset allows for you to see challenges as opportunities and failures as part of the process. As we know, negative, habitual behavior and thinking isn't easy to unlearn. This is the reason it's necessary to renew our minds with God's Word continually.
Kingdom Minded Memory Verses
Luke 12:32-Father is pleased to give us the kingdom
Luke 17:20-Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual and eternal
Romans 12:2-not conformed to this world
I Corinthians 10:5-casting down imaginations and evil thoughts
I Timothy 1:7-rejecting the spirit of fear for love, power, and a sound mind
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17
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