Tags
dance, God, goodness, Kingdom, life, listen, partner, power, rest, strength, strive, success, work
What does living in the Kingdom mean to us as Christ Followers? Kingdom living is simply living out of God’s presence. We don’t have to wait until we die and get to heaven. It’s available to us here and now. In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of a vineyard to explain this to his disciples as they travel to the Garden of Gethsemane. Hours before his crucifixion, He says, “I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me”(v.5).
The key to fruitfulness is staying connected to Jesus, who provides life to us and through us, when we learn to rest in Him. In a nutshell, Jesus was saying don’t try to do good works in your own ability; those are weak and non-effective. Instead, draw upon me: my power to produce abundant life. Don’t strive. Relax. I will do it through you as you listen and obey.
I wish I could say I live in the Kingdom daily. But, more often than not, I find myself depending upon my own strength. During my time dancing on a worship team, my mind was focused on me and the audience. My moves often felt stiff and contrived. I’m sure they looked that way too. But, dancing alone before God, I feel alive and free. I don’t even think about my next move; it just flows from within.
Perhaps, learning unforced rhythms of grace is about moving to the Father’s heart beat: allowing our works to flow from intimate fellowship with Jesus.
The world teaches us to work and then rest to see success. But Jesus says rest in me because it’s through me that your work naturally thrives. I am the source of all life and goodness. Dance with me. I want to be your partner. Together we can change the world. One person at a time. Will you join me?