Christians are part of a unique group destined to reign alongside Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a distinct group. A key question arises regarding Christians’ contributions to preparing for this future role. The Book of Revelation offers insights into the nature of that Kingdom, particularly in Revelation 20:4-6. In this Kingdom, Christians will hold positions of authority under Christ. It is important to recognize that one cannot expect to take on a role without understanding the responsibilities that accompany it.
Living in this world is to prepare individuals for the responsibilities they will have under Christ’s rule. Training for such a role can be challenging, particularly given the significance of ruling alongside Christ. It is important to understand that applying the principles taught by Jesus is not easy. This responsibility often requires great sacrifice, including the willingness to give up one’s own life, just as Jesus and His disciples did.
It is a misconception to view Christianity as merely a career or a casual pastime. Instead, it is a serious commitment that demands significant sacrifice, as exemplified by the death of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Christian calling should not be perceived merely as the task of converting numerous people to Christianity. In other words, one’s value in this world is not determined by the number of individuals one influences to become Christians.
According to Jesus (John 6:44), the act of drawing people into God’s Church is solely God’s work. A Christian’s calling is to listen to God and rise above the pressures of societal customs and traditions. A true Christian is defined by their ability to endure severe opposition, even unto death. This underscores God’s judgment rather than human evaluations of one’s efforts in fulfilling God’s work.
The greatest misconception about Christianity is the assumption that it inherently possesses dignity. This notion is often promoted by those who seem unaware that there is no dignity associated with the cross. Due to its unpopularity, not many people can be identified with the cross, especially in our modern generation.
A fair evaluation reveals that only a few, in comparison to the majority, genuinely embody the calling of a Christian. This is not a mere opinion but a fact supported by Scripture. The unpopularity of this sentiment does not diminish its truthfulness, as everything Jesus taught should be regarded as the truth.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV).
There is no suspicion of mischief among those who follow the broad path that leads to destruction. They may appear as honest individuals, but the fear of death influences them to avoid embracing true Christianity. The concept of the afterlife does not appeal to those who find comfort in this chaotic world. These individuals may consider themselves law-abiding, earning a good income, and enjoying physical blessings.
However, the deception lies in not understanding that Christianity entails living a godly life in a godless world. Christians are expected to vehemently oppose worldliness. True Christians are not motivated by public adulation; rather, they are driven by fierce opposition from the public, as Jesus declared
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:34-39 NKJV).
The illustration above may not resonate with those who seek to bring more people into Christianity. Preaching the gospel is not solely about converting individuals, as that responsibility is reserved for God (John 6:44). Instead, preaching the gospel involves proclaiming the significance of Jesus and His teachings. Many factors attract people to Christianity.
Some feel comfortable being with those who practice altruism rather than self-centeredness. Others appreciate good music and charismatic preaching. However, the gospel encompasses much more than these elements. The most crucial aspect of the gospel is helping converts understand the significance of baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A person baptized in this way should realize the importance of living in this world while not being of it.
Those who are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a distinct group cannot be identified with those of this world. While some may appreciate them, these individuals are often condemned by the majority if they genuinely adhere to their principles. As a result of rejecting corrupt practices, some may find themselves living in extreme poverty.
Others may be treated as heretics for not conforming to the beliefs of the majority, while some may endure difficult family relationships. Some people may suffer from incurable diseases, while others may be wrongfully imprisoned. It is essential to understand that Christian trials are not the same for everyone, and they should not blame anyone for their own struggles.
Each person is encouraged not to compare their challenges with those of others, as God has assigned different burdens to each believer. The comforting truth in these situations is that everyone is being prepared for their unique responsibilities.
“The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:22-25 NKJV).
Jesus carried His own cross, and each of His followers is expected to carry their own cross as well. While trials and temptations manifest in different forms for different people, everyone ultimately faces physical death. Once a person is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, their physical survival becomes insignificant.
The intense struggle of that individual shifts from physical battles to more profound spiritual challenges, illustrating that living longer is not necessarily a blessing. The true measure of success in living a Christian life is realized at the point of death.
A person can lead a commendable life throughout their entire physical existence, only to lose everything at the moment of death. Conversely, another individual may live an extremely sinful life but accept Jesus and be baptized just before passing away. This notion is illustrated by the thief to whom Jesus promised paradise while they were both being crucified (Luke 23:43).
Additionally, Jesus’ teachings often include the phrase, “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first” (e.g. Matthew 20:16). The significance of this is that while the physical body may perish, it is meant to give way to the spiritual self. A person cannot accumulate spiritual experience while being preoccupied with physical conditions.
Therefore, Jesus advised His followers to leave everything behind, if they intended to follow Him. The most profound insight comes from the realization that comfort in the physical body can suppress the spiritual self. Conversely, comfort in the spiritual realm often overshadows physical comfort. Paul’s letter to the Galatians clearly illustrates this concept, highlighting its spiritual significance.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:16-23 NKJV).
The ability to demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit in challenging circumstances is what shapes a person for God’s Kingdom. God values the quality of the individual over the number of people they may lead to conversion. While leading many to faith is commendable, God is ultimately more concerned with the person’s spiritual condition. This is why Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace and not by works.
A person’s actions should be viewed as a reflection of their appreciation for grace. The joy of sharing good news is a natural trait of those who embody the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This dissemination of glad tidings can only be obstructed by individuals with malicious intentions, influenced by the works of the flesh.
Those who seize every opportunity to share good news truly demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. A prime example of this is the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus at the well. She went on to share her remarkable experience with her community (John 4:28-30).
Moved by her encounter, she felt compelled to share the good news with her people, even though Jesus had not instructed her to do so. When Jesus was on Earth, He exhibited an unwavering dedication to His Father’s work, even from the age of twelve. Jesus devoted Himself entirely to this mission, without faltering, up until His crucifixion.
He was passionate about proclaiming the good news of the coming Kingdom of God. He set the standard for those who wish to follow Him, who should demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit throughout their lives. They remain committed, right up until they depart from their physical bodies.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV).
The highlighted anecdote illustrates an individual who found great joy in his commitment to Christian activities, despite spending most of his time in prison. He did not criticize his comrades for potentially neglecting his hardships.
Instead, he displayed the fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described in his writings to the Galatians. The writings of Paul and the other apostles are accessible to us, just as our individual Christian activities should be shared with others. However, Jesus remains the ultimate standard, so there is no need to seek inspiration from others.
“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelations 20:4-6 NKJV).
A person who walks the path of Christ invites persecution, just as Christ was crucified. This includes those who, though not necessarily beheaded, would have been crucified with Christ, according to Paul (Galatians 2:20). Preparing to rule with Christ does not require personal effort but total submission to Christ.
To be a Christian implies that Christ is incarnated in the individual concerned. The physical self must diminish while the spiritual self must be strengthened. Expecting to be among those who will reign with Christ requires a sober mind that embodies physical death. Carnal humans can never be expected to rule with Christ.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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