This past summer I took my family to Disney World, the supposed “magic kingdom.” And I can tell you that none of my wishes came true while I was there! I wished for a hoverboard that would take me around the park. I wished for an endless supply of free food and drinks. I wished for lower ticket prices and smaller crowds. Guess what? It didn’t happen. And I knew who was to blame for all of the craziness. It was not difficult because his statue was right in the middle of the park… none other than Walt Disney himself.
In ancient days, rulers would erect statues to let you know whose kingdom it was… reminders of who was ultimately in charge. Have you ever considered that God made you in His image for the same reason? He positioned you on Earth so that you can reflect His holiness and brilliance. Isaiah 61:3 says you will be “a display of His splendor.” 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Did you get that? We are called to be a Kingdom of priests that declare His praises. We reflect a Holy God to the world around us. People make judgments on God based on the actions of those who call themselves Christians. Because of this, it is imperative that we set Him apart in our own lives. What do people believe about God when they look at your life?
Jesus told us to pray that the Kingdom of God would come on Earth as it is in Heaven. Part of that prayer is your responsibility. If you want this world to look like Heaven, then as a Kingdom of priests, you need to do your part. We get a glimpse of it in Revelation 22:3-5, “The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.”
Friends, you become what you behold… you reflect what you worship.
-Dustin Smith of Here Be Lions