Two Kingdoms

This past week in youth group we discussed the reality of two separate kingdoms battling within us. We are talking about what it means to trully follow Jesus with our lives. I suggested to the students that unless we acknowledge the existence of two kingdoms, we will have a very difficult time giving ourselves wholly to our Savior.

We looked at the passage found in James 4. in verses 7-10 James writes:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded…. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”

I love that James uses such strong language. He talks about submitting and resisting and fleeing. Then he talks about drawing near and cleansing and purifying. This isn’t some small thing that he hoped a couple of his readers would understand. James’ intention seems clear. It is vital for Christians to choose Jesus over the world every day.

Satan’s main goal in the Christian is to distract. He will use whatever means possible to accomplish this. Maybe in your life it is guilt, or materialism, or depression, or addiction, or something else. Once you believe in Jesus, Satan has no rights to your eternal life. However, he will try to have an affect on it’s quality as much as possible while he still can.

So, which kingdom do you enlist in each day. God wants to use you; He wants to exalt you. All He needs is your willingness. Are you willing to be used by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The funny thing is… it seems to be your choice.