Destination: Christ’s Kingdom

Driving on a busy multilane highway in a large metropolitan area during rush hour tests the patience of the most confident driver. Doing this in an area that one is not familiar with is even more frustrating. Under these circumstances, one definitely has to depend on a global positioning system (GPS). Ideally, the GPS will systematically give accurate instructions to the final destination. 

Many have come to depend on GPS to guide them on the road through their daily travels. Though we appreciate the modern technology of GPS, the device has one major limitation:GPS is incapable of giving directions in the absence of a destination. One must first choose a destination and input that destination into the GPS before it can benefit the driver with directions. With GPS, the destination influences the directions.

Therefore, it is essential that one first determine their destination. Then, they should manage the route based on that destination. 

In Colossians 3:1-5 the Apostle Paul wrote, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” 

Paul argues that those who have been resurrected with Jesus Christ in baptism should stay focused on Christ’s Kingdom. Therefore, the destination is to be with Christ in His Kingdom. Paul continues his argument with the salient point that those raised with Christ are dead to earthly things. The old person of sin has been crucified, buried in baptism and the old person of sin must stay buried through continued surrender to Jesus Christ. In the same way that death precedes resurrection, the old destinations must be deleted before a new destination can replace it.

Once the new destination is programed into the GPS, the option will be given for the most direct route to reach the destination. As one continues traveling to the destination, one must remain vigilant due to the presence of temptations to veer off the straight path. One of the greatest impediments to reaching the destination is detour tourism, or rerouting at the exit of every alluring billboard, taking detours to see every oddity and uniqueness advertised.

Paul explains that the new person resurrected with Christ has replaced the old person of sin who is now buried. Now, one must continue aligning priorities with things above and not on earthly things. The destination is now the Kingdom of God and not the earthly detour. Therefore, the direction of our lives should be characterized by Kingdom-living through the Holy Spirit of God.

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By Stephen Brooks

Executive Secretary