The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I write frequently about how the Kingdom of God is a completely different type of kingdom than any of the kingdoms of this world. The Kingdom of God is not simply the best possible version of a worldly kingdom, but rather something radically different.

When we talk about kingdoms, it is important to remember that we are not talking about geographic locations on a map; rather kingdom is the word that means “reign, rule, or dominion.” The Kingdom of God is not a place, but God’s ruling authority. And God’s reign or dominion is nothing like the dominion of worldly kingdoms

How different is it?

Jesus tells us that in order to enter into God’s dominion you must be born again. Entering into God’s kingdom requires a new birth; starting over, not in the flesh, but in the life-giving Spirit of God. You can’t just add a little God to the worldly kingdoms and get there. You have to end your life in one kingdom and begin again in the other.

The problem is that since the very beginning of time, humanity has tried to find another way engaging with God. Sure they wanted God on their side, but not as king. They wanted God with them, but not leading them or ruling them.

What we learn throughout the Bible is the truth that our belonging to one of the kingdoms will shape how we see the other one. Either we find ourselves looking at God through the world’s eyes or looking at the world through God’s eyes.

What does that mean?

To look at God through the world’s eyes means to analyze and evaluate God on the basis of the values, assumptions, and desires of the worldly kingdoms.

Worldly kingdoms operate on a foundation that power, wealth, status, comfort are the ultimate values to be pursued. Worldly kingdoms are always seeking more and this puts people in conflict with one another. The race to accumulate and hoard objects of worldly desire is responsible for the brokeness and pain found throughout the world. It is based upon a lie that there isn’t enough for everyone and the only safe place in the world is on top. Of course, everyone else is trying to get to the top as well, so my neighbor, my brother, my coworker is now my competitor. It’s a fierce competition and the stakes are high so everyone brings their best weapons to the contest.

From this kingdom, God can be viewed as an ally for them, but never an authority over them. People want God on their side as the “nuclear option” in this battle against the rest of the world. It is a desire for power, wealth, status, and comfort, and God is powerful enough to secure these things. But God is never one to whom obedience and submission is due. Rather God submits or supports existing goals and desires.

Salvation without Submission- Relationship without Repentance

And sadly, there is a form of Christianity that engages God this way. They invite people to start a relationship with God, but never reject the old kingdom. There is no death; no rebirth in a new kingdom; No new life. Only an effort to acquire God’s power for use in their worldly quest. God is a power, or sometimes even reduced to a principle, to be channeled in their campaign to greatness. They desire power, wealth, and status, and with God on their side, they will achieve these worldly pursuits- This is looking at God through the eyes of the world

On the other hand,

Looking at the world through the eyes of God produces a completely different result. God isn’t caught up in competition based upon ego or scarcity.

• God’s kingdom has a different view on wealth
  • You don’t accumulate wealth, you give it away.
• God’s kingdom has a different understanding of power
  • You don’t use it to make your own life more ideal, but you use whatever authority you have for the benefit of others.

When you look at the world through the eyes of God you aren’t looking for the most impressive or successful – at least not according to worldly values. , God looks at something else.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

God looks for the Fruit of the Spirit:

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

To look at the world through the eyes of God means to search for and recognize different values and qualities. It allows us to encourage and cultivate the growth of that fruit, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us. These fruit are to be identified, nurtured, and celebrated.

To know confidently that these are the highest values of God’s kingdom allows us to remove ourselves from these external competitions based upon worldly desires and do the hard, yet Spirit-filled work of being shaped into the very image of Jesus. Jesus, who looked weak and foolish to the world, yet was the one who wielded all authority in God’s Kingdom- there is none greater than Jesus in the Kingdom of God.

So starting today, let us all commit to looking at the world through God’s eyes. Seeing those who bear the fruit of the Spirit as the examples to be followed. Let us reject the notion that God’s role is to make us greater in the kingdom of this world, but rather see that God is at work sanctifying us, making us more like Jesus. There is none greater in God’s Kingdom than the servant who serves everyone.

May we see the world through God’s eyes and even more fully align ourselves with God’s kingdom as it is revealed amongst us.

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