Developing a Kingdom Mind-Set

In the natural world, the process of appropriating a place for one’s own use involves planning, organization, and strategies for implementation. Getting to know the people, language, and culture is a valuable asset for effective communication. Possibly the greatest need in succeeding is the provision of a leader to act or speak on behalf of the new government. A person who is knowledgeable of the government and loyal to its king would be an ideal candidate. The key here seems to be an acknowledgment of and commitment to the process. We first see the process of colonization as God’s choice to make earth an extension of heaven—the place created for Him. God is a spirit, and therefore, we understand that He lives in a spiritual place. It is invisible. The extension, however, is visible. It is a garden given to His creation, humankind, with instructions. There is evidence that socialization, education, empowerment, and complementary relationships are parts of the preparation process of those who are made representatives of heaven’s government. God’s design for teaching humankind to think like He thinks is the perfect blue-print. It seems that as believers, children of God, and kingdom citizens, we have not completed the process. We must move from being believers to kingdom representatives. We must learn to think like our King, which will be reflected in our behavior. Having developed a kingdom mind-set, we must then help other believers experience the process.