Living in the tensions of two worlds
As a professional counselor I have consoled hundreds of Christians through some of the most horrific life circumstances, along with experiencing my own trails in life, which have caused me to deeply ponder the words of Scripture that refer to how we must learn to live in the tension between two worlds, our lives here on the earth and our true citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus reassures us that although He came to set us free, to give us salvation and a life more abundant, we would still have tribulation and suffering in this world (John 10:10). I believe one of the greatest false teachings of this modern world is: people shouldn’t have to suffer. And as Americans especially, we take for granted and even demand a life of comfort and expect to live pain free. And if we do experience life difficulties, most people tend to blame God, rather than seek His counsel or ask for wisdom pertaining to the purpose of their suffering, from a spiritual perspective.
If we are going to truly embrace living in a Kingdom culture, then we must adjust our mindsets in how to perceive our lives through a spiritual lens and not just cope with, but truly find joy in being persecuted for righteousness’ sake. This mindset is unlike what the majority of people in the world embrace, and although many people try to cope with and survive their difficult life circumstances, I think few of us would know how to experience joy and rejoice in those moments. We must learn to view suffering for the name of Jesus as a honor, and know your reward in Heaven will be great. Part of the modern mentality that makes having a biblical mindset such an impossible task, is the ever-increasing desire for instant gratification.
One of the greatest challenges of my career was helping people to retrain their minds to be focused on eternity rather than the moment or life circumstance right in front of them. Unless one takes the time to study the psychology of humankind, they might not realize the profound negative effect modern technology has on how we perceive, relate, and live out our faith. It is said, most people today, only have an attention span of 8 seconds. That can be a problem when it comes to our prayer time and studying the Word. And thanks to online shopping and next day delivery, most people can have what they need, when they need it, with very little waiting or self-control. As I discuss in in my book It’s Time for a Revolution, as believers we are required to live, simultaneously in two worlds, and frankly, some days, that can feel a little schizophrenic. This world demands our attention with its social media, fake news, conspiracy theories and the endless list of daily tasks, while our Bridegroom, Jesus, yearns for us to come and sit at His feet, for us to look inward for direction and counsel from the Holy Spirit, and to seek the approval and affection from our Father in Heaven above that of human affirmation.It is this intimate relationship with the Lord that we can then hold onto, to anchor us in our times of trouble. The tension of living between these two worlds, is palpable and even, at times, painful.
I wish I had the perfect answer for you. A big red easy button. But that is not how the Kingdom of God works, it is not how the earthly realm works either despite their promises. The truth is, we live amid a battle for our souls, every day. The war is real, and it is violent. In order that we might live a life of victory, stay focused on the task at hand, to spread the Good News and help others come to know the saving grace of Jesus, we must be steadfast in our minds. “We must set our minds on the things above, not on the things of this earth.” -Colossians 3:2
This is what I ask for in my prayer time with the Lord, I ask the Holy Spirit to keep my mind fixed on a Kingdom perspective, to keep me in step with His Word, His heart, and to give me a longing to be faithful in following His commands. I know from my own faith journey, along with counseling hundreds and hundreds of Christians, that the only life worth living, one that brings mental and spiritual freedom, is to live with an eternity-based mindset. One that is focused on the prize ahead and not your current circumstances. This is living in a Kingdom culture, at peace with your life here on the earth, while yet, a citizen of Heaven.
To learn more about how to live from a Kingdom perspective, you can purchase “It’s Time for a Revolution” here: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Time-Revolution-Jessica-Rothmeyer/dp/1098077016/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659016186&sr=8-1