If you take a look at our world today, our culture is just very self-focused. And unfortunately most of our thoughts are driven from that self-focused and self-taught culture. It’s just because we live in that mindset and because that is the majority of what we consume.
When we are consuming things of this world, we will become like the world. Consuming self-focused advice, things from Hollywood, releases from our culture, and so on will just lead to those things dictating our thoughts.
But we are called to consume heavenly things and dwell on things that are pure. That is how we can be Kingdom focused.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
So do you know if you are self focused? That’s such a hard question to ask yourself. Your automatic response is “no.” That’s why I would encourage you to ask others who are close to you. They will see the little things you don’t. And even if you’re not fully self focused, you may be doing certain things that are giving that impression to others.
And being self focused doesn’t just have to do with “me.” It may be your likes, wants, dreams, desires, etc. Do you get very upset if you are interrupted while watching your favorite show? Or do you focus on your own wants and life before attentively listening to others?
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
Kingdom focused means to be fully focused on the end goal, that is being with the Lord, in the everyday, mundane life. Everything you do should be dictated by the Holy Spirit.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
As followers of God, true followers of God, we need to give of ourselves every day. Or better yet, we need to give of ourselves even every minute. We are no longer living for our own wants and lives. Our lives are the Lord’s.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
This is something that is going to take work. You will be dying to yourself daily and failing even more. But through His strength and renewing you can change your focus from yourself to God’s Kingdom.
“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
A Kingdom mindset is an eternal one. It does not end if you make a mistake or even when you die. Your life will still have meaning.
Having a Kingdom mindset means leaving a legacy for your Creator.
So take a hard moment and ask yourself, “am I truly living for the Lord and His Kingdom? Or am I living for myself?”
And like I said, this could be difficult to answer. But pray and ask God to reveal things that maybe are hidden from your eyes right now. Allow Him to reveal this to you and He will.
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