CULTIVATING THE KINGDOM CULTURE

One of the most Fundamental yet Profound Truths in the entire Universe is that all Authority belongs to the Lord God Almighty Himself. King David, the man after God's Heart, made this clear when he prophesied in the Spirit as the sweet psalmist of Israel: "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: THAT POWER BELONGS TO GOD."(Ps.62:11)

God is the Unquestionable Sovereign over all of Creation and His Kingdom speaks of His Absolute Rule as such. Jeremiah 2:3 reveals to us that He consecrated the entire nation of Israel to Himself as the Firstfruits of His Increase. As a result, He raised her up as a Prototype of any nation that embodies His Values or Culture, making them blessed indeed. (Ps.144:15) The Church of Jesus Christ our Lord, through the New Covenant, is that Nation that He has established as a Showcase or Full Expression of His Glory.

The word "Culture" could be defined as "all the Knowledge and Values shared by a society." In other words, it is a people's set of Values or Culture that end up shaping their worldview which furthermore filters out their Principles or Guidelines for living. These Principles ultimately result in the adoption of various customs or traditions. Apostle Paul admonished the saints in Thessalonica regarding this same issue of tradition:

"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and HOLD ON TO THE TRADITIONS WE TAUGHT YOU in person or through our letter."(2Thess.2:15) A tradition or custom could be defined as "a long-standing accepted or habitual practice." According to the aforementioned Scripture, all True Christian believers are bound by a Kingdom Culture which regulates our actions as well as our reactions since the Body of Christ (as Custodians of the Kingdom of God) is a Nation in her Own Right. (1Pet.2:9) For instance, there is absolutely nothing like "an American Christian" or "an African Church" but instead "the saints who are in Ephesus..." (Eph.1:1) or "the Church of God, which is at Corinth..." (1Cor.1:2) Ponder over this for a moment: The Church of Jesus Christ is basically a Nation having a Kingdom Culture, Kingdom Principles and Kingdom Customs or Traditions which every Authentic believer is mandated to adhere to. Simply put, every Authentic believer in Christ Jesus must be "Christo-Centric while being ethno-conscious."

The following are certain Fundamental Kingdom Values we are expected to internalize, imbibe and implement:

(1.)HUMILITY: (Matt.11:29) This is also referred to as "lowliness of heart" and is one of the Key Values of the Lord Jesus which He requires of us.

(2.)MEEKNESS: (Matt.12:20) This is also known as Gentleness. Meekness isn't weakness but rather is strength placed under control.

(3.)LOVE: (1Cor.13:13) This is the Acid Test of Genuine Christianity. Without a shadow of doubt, Agape Love is the greatest of all the Kingdom Values.

(4.)HOLINESS: (Heb.12:14) It is impossible for anyone to actually see God without this Virtue. Holiness is one of the most important Values within the Church.

(5.)DILIGENCE: (2Thess.3:10) Slothfulness or laziness makes one become an outcast in the Kingdom of God. This is why labouring by Grace is a major Kingdom Value.

(6.)INTEGRITY: (Tit.2:7) This refers to the Quality of becoming united with your words or being whole i.e integer.

(7.)SERVICE: (Mk.10:45) This would forever remain the Major Pathway to Genuine Greatness in the Kingdom of God.