20 Mar Kingdom Down, Culture Up
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.” (John 3:31–35)
Since this world is the only place we’ve ever lived, it can understandably feel like our home. For the Christian, this perspective is misleading since we’re really only here for a little while before heading to our eternal home in the Kingdom of God. While spending eternity there, this life will feel like little more than the hour you spend sitting at the airport waiting for a flight.
While still on earth in waiting, there are two ways to live your life.
Living culture up is synonymous with things “of the earth” and “earthly.” Culture up living does not think or act biblically. In this paradigm, you are the king ruling over your life doing what you want pretty much like everyone else in your culture. The will of God is not considered, and your will for your life is all that matters.
Living Kingdom down is “from above” and “from heaven.” Kingdom down living seeks to think and act biblically. Kingdom down living sees Jesus – not you – as the King, since, “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.” Kingdom down living is lived by the same power that Jesus lived: “The Spirit.”
Is your life lived more culture up or Kingdom down? What changes should be made?
