The Values of the Kingdom

​We serve a King who oversees an everlasting Kingdom. Within His Kingdom are key values that undergird everything that is done in it. Value systems permeate every facet of existence. There are cultural values, national values, family values, values within local assemblies, organizational values and of course personal values.

A friend of mine wrote a great book in 1993 entitles 'A Philosophy Of Ministry.'
In it he wrote, “Each of us thinks we are objective – but that is not the case. We see our service – or objects of that service not as it is – but as we are – or are conditioned to see it. Therefore, when other people disagree with us, we immediately think they are wrong.” He then asks the question – “How can we reconcile this apparent contradiction?”

I would suggest the answer lies in embracing a Kingdom worldview with values that flow from that realm. Values help us to understand each other and increase our ability to walk in unity. What may appear to be contradictory on the surface, can be understood in the values we collectively hold. As believers, our cultural – national – family – local assembly – organizational and personal values must be subject to the values of the Kingdom.

"Every act – action – decision and decree find some basis in a value held"

Values are generally things that 'go without being said’. Every act – action – decision and decree find some basis in a value held. The value does not necessarily have to be articulated – because they are generally understood by an indigenous group of people, whether native or organizational.

It is important for us to get a general understanding of the Word of God from the culture it was originally written. There were values that existed in the first century that are totally unknown to us today. As we learn them, we can begin to see the core Kingdom Values that were understood and embraced, and understand how they are applicable to us today.

Kingdom values are timeless – because they come from a realm that is eternal and not subject to time as we know it. All other values are shaped by time but I suggest we should look to see if  values are in line with the values of the Kingdom.

There are five basic values in the Kingdom of Heaven. They are:

1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ – you must walk in the revelation that Jesus is the Christ – Son of the Living God – if you miss this value – all others are unnecessary
2. The priesthood of all believers – From the beginning we were created to rule the earth as vice-regents of God. When you recognize that it was the Fathers intent to have a fully functioning priesthood comprised of blood washed believers – you will never be the same 
3. The full expression of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is still at work in obedient men and women to fulfill the purposes of God in the earth. Everything He did in the first century – is available to us today.
4. Strong Covenant relationships that result in spiritual and numerical growth. Everything healthy grows. God’s design is that we connect with each other to edify, exhort and comfort one another. There are over 50 ‘one another’ passages of scripture in the New Testament, as we learn how work hard to work through our differences – the Body of Christ will become stronger and more vibrant in the earth
5. No one lacks among us – scripture reveals the heart of God’s people. They gave in such a way that for a time – every need was met among them. I believe that can exist today. Our heart should be to insure that every believer has everything they need to fulfill their calling, purpose and ministry work.

When we embrace these values – we will quickly develop a kingdom worldview.
The Ekklesia Center is committed to teaching these values and showing belivers how to walk in them daily. 

You can begin today by praying, "Lord give me a Kingdom Worldview. Let me see the world from the view of the Kingdom". As you begin to see things from a Kingdom perspective, you will see what is acceptable and what is out of alignment with heavens values. You will be more accurate in praying "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". 

Commit to taking action. What you see out of alignment with kingdom values – remember you have been given the keys of the kingdom. Ask God what you need to do to bind or loose on earth the desire of heaven (Matthew 16:19).
 
Until next time – be blessed!