It's Not Supposed to Be Easy

Acts 14:22

[22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Because we struggle with the original temptation, "to be like God", entering the Kingdom of God is not easy...it is impossible.

We want control. From "free-will", to out and out disobedience, we deep down naturally don't want to submit to God's authority.

Yet, that is exactly how to "enter" any kingdom.

You must submit to the king.

fealty

[fee-uhl-tee]

Phonetic (Standard)

IPA

noun

plural fealties

History/Historical.

fidelity to a lord.

the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal.

fidelity; faithfulness.

Synonyms: devotion, loyalty

Still, for the Kingdom of God, He wants more than just "fealty". He wants complete submission, or surrender. This goes beyond a vow. It must be from within the heart.

In truth, it is a full understanding of who God is, with a response that shows how awesome, perfect, and complete, He really is.

Basically, "He is so awesome and perfect, there is absolutely no way any thought, word, or action on my part can possibly compare!"

From the heart.

This kind of submission is so deep, so complete, that ANYTHING the King says or commands is recieved as right, true and perfect. His way is the BEST possible way for any action to proceed.

"Seek First the Kingdom".

Ah, but we are not perfect. We are not anything like God. So, we fail in His command. We are unable to perfectly walk out His word.

He made us that way...on purpose.

He is Perfect. He is the King. He is God. He doesn't make mistakes. We do.

This is the reason for the Forgivness of God. It is necessary, for us to recieve acceptance.

We trust His awesomeness, but fail because we are weak. He knows that we are, because He made us that way. He planned it that way, so we would submit to His perfectness...and become subjects, or part of His Kingdom.

Do you see how that works? This is why Jesus said that the Kingdom is within you.

Because we are subjects, submitted to the Perfect King, we will do our best to respond as well as we can, while knowing we will not be perfect in our response. The King does not respond with anger or rejection, because we are His. We know this, because we know the King.

It's just the way He is.

Of course, knowing He is perfect will show within us. We will never fail intentionally, or with premeditation. We dont want to fail the King, but we know He will forgive when we do. We won't attempt to decieve, for we know that is impossible.

Not perfect, but not seeking to get away with anything!

He loves this. Not because we fail, or come back, but because we know Him so well.

He, like all of us, wants a deep relationship...not a superficial one.

This is why we want this. We were made by Him.

Do you want the power of the Kingdom of God?

If so, you must submit to the King, by knowing Him.

"Seek first the Kingdom of God."

"Seek and you will find."

Know this, if you are one of His subjects. One if His children. It doesn't mean you can move mountains as you will. He is your King. He is your Lord. The Kingdom's power only moves forward with the Authority of the King.

"Without me, you can do nothing."

Don't listen to the lies of the enemy. He touts your "independance". Your own "choices" and "ability" to walk like a god. He is using many "church" leaders to say these things.

Any action YOU do, independent of God, is a lie. God IS. HE is in charge, and never waiting on you. It is absurdly arrogant to believe so! He is even in charge of your rebellion!

How do you know then if you are really submitted to God?

Simple, you will have a real and close relationship with Him. He will constantly reveal more and more of Himself to you. You WILL know Him.

HE will show you His Word is true. HE will show you how perfect He is. HE will never contradict Himself. You will hear Him. You will know Him.

Look, He is God, you are just a man. A childlike man. It is, and always will be, up to Him to teach you about Himself. Again, He isn't waiting for you. He isnt waiting for you to learn, to act, or to figure it out.

A Father teaches the son, not the other way around.

You can't even "let" Him teach you!

It's up to Him. If you are His, you WILL trust Him.

Of, course, this is not easy. It's impossible.

Like with everything else. He, alone does it.

Ah, but for Him, it IS easy.