Romans 14:16-17
"Therefore, do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Spirit."
While every person has a our natural inclination to focus on the physical aspects of this life, as believers, we've come to understand that the Kingdom of God is more than what we encounter with our senses. It is also a spiritual kingdom. While one day we will enter the physical kingdom of God, for now, we are to enjoy the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom. How we do this is according to the touch of the Spirit, bringing us righteousness and peace.
Righteousness describes the life made holy by the Spirit's presence. Literally, the presence of the resurrected Christ living in us drives away all unholiness in our souls. While we still sin in this body, spiritually, we have been made righteous by the Lord. It is this righteousness which brings about peace with God. We're no longer enemies living in sin, but now adopted into God's family.
But there is another peace which defines the believer living in God's spiritual kingdom. This is the peace which comes in knowing this world is not our own. A newer and better tomorrow is coming, even as we grow older and face a physical death. The Bible describes this as a peace which is beyond understanding. It comes no matter the trial which faces us in life. But unless one is touched by the Spirit, there is no way to know and enjoy this peace.
Jesus came to this world to bring peace, with God and in our hearts as we live in this world. This is the kingdom which is ours in the Spirit.
LORD JESUS
Lord, I thank you for Kingdom of God which lives in me according to the presence of your Spirit. May I look to this kingdom with more focus then I do the physical life that I now enjoy. Amen.
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