What Will You Give Up for the Kingdom of God

Matthew 13:44-46 ESV
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field…Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

God’s kingdom is a present-day reality and a future expectation for Christians. At some point in the future, the kingdom of heaven will be a literal domain where Christ rules. Until then, the kingdom exists in the hearts of everyone who confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Jesus came on the scene in Matthew 3:2 and spoke. “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The Kingdom was a major subject for Jesus because it changed the world for millions of people who would no longer live as pagans without law or scruples. The people that would turn to Jesus two thousand years ago and today will come to understand, we are not of this world. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. As I said, it is present day reality, and it will one day be a future manifestation.

In this teaching in Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus is speaking of what some will give up to be a part of the kingdom of God? In these two illustrations, both men went and sold all they had to buy the treasure. Jesus is telling His disciples; the Kingdom of God is worth giving up everything to follow Jesus.

What will we give up to be citizens of His Kingdom? I dare say that some have given up love, friendships, family, and acceptance to follow Jesus and to be citizens in His Kingdom. But what ever we forfeit to follow Him, He will abundantly supply.

Prayer:
Lord, we want to be in Your Kingdom now and in the future where we will live with You forever. The things that we have had to give up and the people that have turned us away because of our decisions we have made to follow You, You make it worth our sacrifice.