Jesus announced the Kingdom (or literally, God’s reign) being at hand in Mark 1:14-15. At it’s core, this is simply saying, “You are now seeing God’s reign firsthand in the life of a human being.” According to Jesus, this is the good news (or “gospel”) he declares for the world to believe in. Jesus was the perfect example of a human being showing the world what God’s reign looks like, 100% of the time.
I think it’s safe to say that leaders in the Church want (or at least verbally express) the people they lead to have God reign in their lives. This may be worded in a number of different ways. Leaders say they want people to:
- “Be on fire.”
- “Surrender their lives.”
- “Live for the Kingdom.”
- “Be gospel-centered.”
Whatever language is used, the desire is to see God reigning supreme in a persons life. As it should be.
Okay, so here are 3 questions I think every leader who has this desire should ask themselves:
- How am I allowing people to see God’s reign in my life, firsthand? (following Jesus’ example)
- What boundaries do I need to set up so that I am not trying to reign in people’s lives? (avoiding a Messiah/power complex)
- Who is seeking God’s reign in their life and who do I know that can learn from that person? (cultivating discipleship)