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How did you select the church that you currently attend?  As I have surveyed Christians with this question most quickly respond with “after praying about it.”  But after inquiring further I find that the factors were one or more of the following:  Friends attend, like the music, like the pastor, the children’s program, the youth program, the seniors program, singles or the church believes most with my theology.  Studies have shown when the majority of folks were honest,  the way they selected a church was by “what’s in it for me?”  Whether we like it or not, this is America and even believer’s have a consumer mindset. 

How would Jesus choose a church today?  Would it be based on if he had friends attending there?  Or would it be based on if he liked the music?  Would it be based on if he received personal recognition for who he was?  Christ made every decision in light of the Great Commission.  That was his purpose and He accepted that.  This is also our purpose and it is what brings glory to God.  The tension is that in day-to-day living, seeking God’s kingdom goes against the grain. 

Our renewed mind first shows itself in our day to day choices.  These decisions affect our contribution to the fulfillment of His desires.  Slowly, as we surrender our wills, we come to realize that God is not a “kill joy.”  Rather, in losing ourselves in Him, we find life.  Now let’s begin to look at how we would approach a few decision areas, and compare possible choices with kingdom mindsets.

CHURCH

I should choose a church based on if I have friends there, the music, programs or if I can receive recognition for using my gifts and talents.  Having my needs met is the most important factor.

or… I am willing to attend a church where God can use me to serve Him the most in working towards His worldwide purpose of reaching the lost.

I need to choose a church based on what they give to me spiritually so that I am fed.

or…I want to grow spiritually through my own personal time with the Lord and personal Bible Study vs. being a babe in Christ dependent on another for food.

I want to attend a church where I click with the people and have my social needs met.

or…establishing relationships with younger believers or unbelievers can be hard but it is worth it to be able to share Christ with them.

I thank the Lord that before my husband was a pastor, he had a kingdom mindset in choosing a church for us.  Some of the questions he always asked….where does God want us to serve?  What pastor could we be a blessing to?  Are there people present we could minister to?  What church is focused on reaching the lost that we could co-labor with?  Does the church have a kingdom mindset? More on this later.

To have a kingdom mindset means that each and every day and in every situation I desire to glorify God by having His heart and mind for the lost world.  To be a Kingdom minded Christian means to be focused on God’s unchanging purpose that all people would be blessed by being born again.  People with a non-kingdom mindset instinctively try to find their security in whatever they think will ensure that their self-interests are met. 

Why does God save us?  What is His purpose for our life after we are saved?  Jesus calls us to the awesome privilege of fulfilling the Kingdom work He began on earth.  But in day-to day living, seeking God’s kingdom goes against the grain.  Many Christians today want to seek first His kingdom in their daily choices.  However, most struggle with what it actually means to live for one kingdom, rather than the other.  There are at least 3 reasons why it is true that we struggle to have a kingdom mindset. 

1.  Ignorance of the existence of opposing kingdoms

Although we do hot hear bullets whizzing past our heads, nor the sound of bombs exploding, Satan is constantly waging war against the army of our God.  Depending on decisions we make, we are always siding with one or other distinct kingdom.  Ignorance of the existence of both kingdoms results in making wrong choices.

2.  Lack of role models.

We do not have a mindset for God’s kingdom because of a lack of role models.  As we look around, it appears most Christians are living and making decisions just like we are.  Unconsciously, many are living according to the values and standards of the world around them.  There are few who live in the world but not an actual part of it. 

A local church youth pastor planned an area wide evangelistic youth event.  Over 700 kids attended and over 200 made professions of faith.  He was so excited until his senior pastor did not rejoice and instead informed him that his ministry was at his local church and not the kingdom.  This senior pastor lost a passionate staff member because of desiring personal glory more than Gods glory.  Needless to say the people in that church do not have a senior pastor who is a role model for having a kingdom mindset.

3.  Unwillingness to give up control or comfort to live for Christ.

Sometimes, the problem lies within ourselves.  While we profess to live for Christ we still don’t want to give up control or comfort to do this.  We explain away Christ’s words, “whoever wants his own life will loose it” and instead believe Satan’s lie that we need to take care of ourselves.  This way the enemy not only destroys the joy of knowing Christ but also the impact we make in His name!

On the next post we will discuss how to make decisions with a kingdom mindset vs. a personal mindset.  In the meantime, be thinking about why you selected the church you currently attend.  And don’t say because God told you it was the one!  Thoughts?

Are you more influenced by the world or the Word of God?  Most Christians would be quick to say the Bible influences them more than the world.  Not so fast.  The best way to determine this is to do a personal self evaluation.  But first let us clarify what a kingdom mindset is. Having a kingdom mindset each day and in every situation means having God’s heart and mind for the world at all times.  This will inform and give passion to our prayers.  Our prayer “Thy Kingdom Come” will take on a whole new meaning and passion. 

When we are kingdom minded we see everything around us in a different light.  It means we will evaluate our decisions and choices in light of the kingdom vs. according to personal comfort and desires.  For the sake of the kingdom we choose not to demand our rights at every turn.  We will desire His way vs. our way. Yes, having a kingdm mindset means caring about the lost world vs. having personal needs met.

Our friend Ben Arment posted a blog titled “The Mother Ship” which talked about how most Christians choose a church.  Do you choose a church based on what you can give to make a difference or based on what you can get? This consumer mentality is not a kingdom mindset. 

I have been thinking for several weeks about this topic and will continue it tomorrow.  Would love to hear your thoughts.  Comments?

I’m back in the saddle today after fighting a cold/infection for 5 weeks! Of course I still worked and had life to live but at a much slower pace.  Excited to be back but I have a huge pile to climb out from under.  To kick off my first day back blogging after taking a full week off I want to share a dynamic post by one of my favorite bloggers…Ben Arment.  Would love to hear what you think about it.  To read more of Ben click on his name at my blogroll. 

Am I Ready for Tragedy?

This weekend, I was hurting for three young couples who are suffering through some tragedy in their lives regarding children. A special needs child in the womb, a sudden infant death, and infertility. As a parent, I grieve on a whole other level when I hear about these things. And I admire so much the faith it requires to press on…

These stories raised some big questions for me over the last few days: Am I prepared for tragedy in my own life? Have I undergirded myself with the right spiritual foundation? Have I sufficiently drawn near to God before the trials come? Because they will.

Can’t seem to shake a cold/respiratory infection that I have had for over 4 weeks. Trying to get in to see a physician but the 19th is the earliest appointment I have been able to find.  Life goes on….I still have a family to feed, church stuff, ministry stuff, etc.  Decided to share this boring news with you to ask for grace in responding to your emails and phone calls. Appreciate your prayers. Expect to be better soon!

Today through Nov. 13th we are giving FREE SHIPPING to any order for the Life To Life 12 week discipleship tool  for men and women written by Todd and I, and also the Living On Purpose Day Planner and Organizer.  For more information on either resource go to www.winfluence.org and click on resources.  As always we offer a money back guarantee on any or our ministry tools.