In a world often centered on personal ambition and self-interest, we’re challenged to consider a radical shift in perspective. What if, instead of constantly asking “What do I want?”, we began to ask, “What does God want?” This simple change in focus can transform not only our prayers but our entire approach to life.
Many of us find ourselves caught up in a cycle of personal desires. We want better jobs, kinder bosses, success in exams, or improved family relationships. While these aren’t necessarily wrong, they shouldn’t be our primary focus. The question we need to ask is: Are we praying for our kingdom to come, or God’s?
Jesus taught His followers a model prayer that includes the powerful words, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” This isn’t just a passive request; it’s an active commitment to align our lives with God’s purposes. It’s about recognizing that our personal “kingdoms” – the empires of success, comfort, and achievement we often strive to build – are temporary. In contrast, God’s kingdom is eternal and truly fulfilling.
The Bible offers numerous examples of the danger of focusing too much on our own kingdoms. In the book of Jeremiah, we’re reminded that true boasting should not be about wisdom, strength, or wealth, but in understanding and knowing God. Jesus himself told a parable of two men praying – a Pharisee who boasted of his own righteousness, and a tax collector who humbly asked for mercy. It was the latter, Jesus said, who went home justified before God.
So how do we shift our focus from building our kingdoms to building God’s? It starts with recognizing that God’s invitation is open to all of us, regardless of our past or present circumstances. We come before Him not in our own righteousness, but in “tattered rags,” acknowledging our need for His grace and guidance.
Building God’s kingdom involves embracing certain values and actions:
- Protecting and caring for children
- Helping the poor
- Serving others
- Loving our enemies
- Living a life of goodness, peace, and joy
- Being salt and light in the world
These “kingdom bricks” are the building blocks of a life aligned with God’s will. When we engage in these actions, we’re not just improving our own lives or the lives of those around us – we’re participating in something eternal and truly meaningful.
Importantly, building God’s kingdom isn’t about our own effort alone. The prayer “Let Your kingdom come” acknowledges that ultimately, it’s God who brings His kingdom to fruition. Our role is to cooperate with His work, allowing Him to use us as instruments of His will.
This leads us to the second part of the prayer: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” While we may not have control over how God’s will is done in most of the world, we do have a choice in how it’s done in our own lives. It’s about surrendering our plans and desires to God’s greater purpose.
Consider the analogy of learning to row. A novice rower must listen to their coach, even when the instructions feel uncomfortable or counterintuitive. In the same way, following God’s will often requires us to set aside our own ideas of what’s best and trust in His guidance.
The beautiful truth is that as we seek to do God’s will, we’re not left to struggle alone. Psalm 23 reminds us that God’s goodness and unfailing love pursue us all the days of our lives. Picture this love as two friends chasing after you, guiding you away from temptation and protecting you from stumbling. No matter where life takes you – into the classroom, the exam room, or the workplace – God’s goodness and love are right there with you.
This realization should fill us with confidence and joy. As we go through our daily lives, we can constantly ask ourselves: How can I build God’s kingdom today? How can I care for children, help the poor, serve others, love my enemies, show goodness and peace, or be a light in the darkness?
Living this way requires us to stay connected to God’s word and His people. We need to read the Bible, listen to wise counsel, and remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. When we do, we’ll find ourselves better equipped to resist temptation and make choices that align with God’s will.
The invitation is clear: Let’s shift our focus from building our own kingdoms to participating in God’s eternal kingdom. Instead of praying for our will to be done, let’s earnestly seek God’s will in every aspect of our lives. As we do, we’ll discover that His plans for us are far greater and more fulfilling than anything we could devise on our own.
Remember, God’s goodness and unfailing love are always pursuing you. In every situation, in every choice, He is there, offering guidance and grace. Will you choose today to build with “kingdom bricks”? Will you allow God’s will to direct your path, even when it’s challenging?
As you go about your day, carry this prayer in your heart: “Lord, let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done in my life. Help me to build Your kingdom, not my own. I trust in Your goodness and love that never fail.” In doing so, you’ll find yourself part of something far greater than personal success – you’ll be participating in the unfolding of God’s eternal purpose on earth.
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