How to Compare Characteristics of Personal Freedom and Requirements of the Kingdom of God

We may accept the concept that we have personal freedom and that most of us recognize that we can choose to act according to our desires but recognize that there are limitations to our personal freedom. How does this relate to the Kingdom of God? What is the Kingdom of God? This Christian-Judeo term refers to God’s rule over all His creatures (Psalms 103: 19). As a consequence of God’s rule, His People (Israelites of old and their decedents and the New Israel according to various Christian perspectives– God’s people through Christ and the New Covenant or New Testament) will be transformed with a new heart, new spirit, given the presence of God’s Spirit, granted the capability of being obedient to God’s requests and requirements (Ezekiel 35: 26,27; John 3:5). They will be born again and be able to see, experience, and embrace the Kingdom of God. Not only will they see God’s Kingdom, they will be granted eternal life (in contrast to the limited duration of life granted by our Creator as a characteristic of personal freedom). The Kingdom of God, in contrast to our personal freedom, is a mandate and capability to be pleasing to God . It is not about what we desire but about what God can do for us and through us as subjects or members of His Kingdom here and now (Mathew 3:2). Additionally, the Kingdom of God is within us and is among us (Luke 17:21). Not only does the Kingdom of God include God’s rule of His creation but it also contains aspects of another world (John 18:36). It is supernatural, of Heaven, not of human origin….having eternal qualities. Heaven is where members of the Kingdom of God truly belong (Philippians 3:20). It is their destiny.

Although members of the Kingdom of God may be free and not human slaves, they are slaves of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22). Christ makes one free (John 8:36). Freedom from what or freedom to what? - Freedom from spiritual slavery, freedom from sin or from that which displeases God. Paul explains that he is a servant of all so that he may win some to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19) and that members of the Kingdom of God are free from sin in order to be slaves of Christ (Romans 6:18; Ephesians 6:6). Members of the Kingdom of God are warned through Peter not to sin as a result of their freedom (1 Peter 2:16).

Personal freedom is freedom to choose but freedom in Christ is freedom from acts and thoughts which members of the Kingdom of God cannot control (Romans 7:16) by submitting to the will and mind of Christ (For Christ is the wisdom and power of God [1 Corninthians 1:24]). Without the presence of Christ, members of the Kingdom of God are in bondage to principles which are not aligned with the principles of God’s Kingdom (Galatians 4:3). These principles include the selfish pursuit of desires. The desire to fulfill cravings and wants is of this world. Members of the Kingdom of God are instructed not to love these things which are not a part of God’s Kingdom (1 John 2:15; Philippians 2:3). Members of the Kingdom of God do not have personal rights. Those who belong to God through Christ cannot live to do what they please but must be obedient to Christ. If members of the Kingdom of God do not obey, they are not a part of the Kingdom of God (1 John 3:10). Therefore, personal property, attachments, friendships, relationships, and possessions are not ends in themselves but the means by which members of the Kingdom of God are of service to God (1 Corinthians 9:22). Members of the Kingdom of God are to live peacefully and in holiness (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). Members of the Kingdom of God should be patient, kind, not envious, not bragging, not arrogant, not selfish, not quick-tempered, letting go of resentments quickly, not enjoying unkind and unholy activities, compassionate, hopeful, faithful, enduring, and sober (1 Corinthians 13:4; Ephesians 5:18).

Our rights are described as the right to live, the right to be free, and the right for us to select our own activities and efforts for fulfillment of our personal contentment.We can do what we enjoy. These rights are not absolute. In other words, no one person is free to do everything he or she wants when wanted. As individuals in communion with other members of society, our fellow members or leadership elected by the majority of members of our communities can decide to place limitations on individual freedom. These limitations vary in nature and extent depending upon our particular locations. In some communities we may be free to smoke or not be required to wear a seat belt whereas in other communities penalties may be applied for those caught engaging in these activities. We have an inherent right to violate societal directives and community laws but are often faced with consequences as a result of our actions. On one level then we are free to do what we want and when we want but there may be consequences. Some of these consequences are not limited to the influences and demands of others but also personal limitations. I may want to fly by flapping my arms but find that my personal limitation is that I am not able to fly using this method. Another limitation is our duration. We are free to live but our lives extend for a limited number of years and no more.

Tips & Warnings

• ·  Recognizing the difference between having personal freedom and becoming a member of the Kingdom of God as defined by particular Christian perspectives is not a decision to be taken lightly and can be considered a choice with life-changing consequences
• Becoming a member of the Kingdom of God requires a belief and acceptance of the principles and requirements as presented by particular Christian perspectives
• A transformation of attitude and character is a most likely outcome resulting from a sincere acceptance of the principles and concepts pertaining to the Kingdom of God
• In addition to a change in perspective and belief, becoming a member of the Kingdom of God is a choice to change the way one lives
• Obtaining and examining proofs of the veracity of the requirements and precepts pertaining to the nature of the Kingdom of God is an individual research effort