KINGDOM LIFE RATHER THAN ESCAPE FROM EARTH SHOULD BE THE ENGROSSMENT OF A BELIEVER

KINGDOM LIFE RATHER THAN ESCAPE FROM EARTH SHOULD BE THE ENGROSSMENT OF A BELIEVER The greatest promise of God is the coming of a new heaven and a new earth. Christians have long discussed whether this means the complete replacement of the present creation or its transformation into a renewed order. Faithful believers hold different views on this question, and Scripture contains language that has been understood in both ways. Whatever one's interpretation, the central hope remains the same: a world characterized by God's perfect rule, righteousness, justice, peace, and abundant life. The greatest difference between the world we experience today and the world God promises is not merely geography but values and quality of life. Under the reign of Jesus Christ, righteousness replaces injustice, love overcomes hatred, peace triumphs over violence, and truth dispels deception. God calls believers to begin living those Kingdom values now. The future Kingdom should shape our present conduct. The world will not become different simply by magic; it will be different because Christ reigns perfectly and evil is finally defeated. Even before that final day, believers are called to reflect the character of Christ and to influence society for good. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer is not merely about the future. It is also a call for God's will to be increasingly seen in our homes, churches, communities, workplaces, and nations today. Through Christ, God promises a world marked by the following realities. These are not only future hopes; they are values believers should actively pursue in this present life. Righteousness and Justice: We should pursue moral integrity, fairness, and justice for all. Isaiah 11:4 portrays the Messiah judging the poor with righteousness and defending the oppressed while dealing decisively with wickedness. Love and Compassion: We are commanded to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbours—and even our enemies—as ourselves. Humility and Servanthood: True greatness in God's Kingdom is found in serving others rather than dominating them. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Having received God's mercy, we should extend forgiveness freely and work toward restoring broken relationships. Peace and Peacemaking: We should actively resolve conflicts and promote peace, justice, and reconciliation. Isaiah 2:4 foresees a day when nations will beat their swords into ploughshares and learn war no more. We can begin working toward peace today. Faith and Trust in God: We are called to depend upon God while using the resources He has entrusted to us wisely and generously for the benefit of others rather than hoarding them for ourselves. Restoration of Creation: Scripture anticipates the renewal of creation itself. Believers can participate now by caring for the environment, protecting God's creation, and reducing unnecessary conflict between humanity and nature. Healing and Human Flourishing: Christ's Kingdom brings healing and wholeness. We should continue working to improve healthcare, reduce suffering, and make essential medical services accessible to everyone. Universal Knowledge of God: Habakkuk 2:14 declares that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. As believers proclaim the gospel and live faithfully, many lives can be transformed and guided by God's truth. Joy and Shared Prosperity: God's Kingdom is marked by joy, dignity, and abundance. Christians should work toward societies where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and where basic human needs are met. Believers should therefore be more engrossed with bringing Kingdom influence into the present world than with constantly longing to escape it. Jesus described His followers as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves what is good, and light exposes darkness. These images point to active engagement with society, not withdrawal from it. When Christians abandon the responsibilities of this world because they are focused only on leaving it, leadership and public life are often left in the hands of those who may not pursue justice, compassion, or the common good. The result is unnecessary suffering for many people. The hope of Christ's return should not produce passivity but faithful service. The expectation of God's future Kingdom should inspire believers to demonstrate its values today. Every act of justice, compassion, peacemaking, truth, service, and mercy becomes a witness to the coming reign of Christ. By Rev. Elijah Mutua Kirima THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD July 2, 2026