The Kingdom Now and Not Yet, Part II

Living in a kingdom of now and not yet means that we live in a kingdom in the presence of God, and in anticipation of his coming.  I think this dovetails neatly into the idea that we should do God's will.  We should be obedient to his calling, for the benefit of the now and the not yet.

If we are in the kingdom now, and God is in the room, isn't that a motivation to do God's will?  It might not be the best motivator, but if my boss is in the room, I might be more motivated to do his will.  There is an increased awareness that he will know if am following his lead or not if he is present.

If we are living in the kingdom that is not yet, and we are living in the kingdom that is now, then we are also motivated to do God's will because we have a roll to play.  We contribute to the transformation of the kingdom now into what it will become by following the will of God.  In the same way, we contribute to our transformation from who we are to who will will become by following God's will.  Potential is reached.  Perfection (wholeness) is achieved.

And in the kingdom of the now and the not yet, we come to realize that there is an undeniable link between our own happiness and our obedience.  When we follow the will of God, loving God and loving our neighbors, we find blessing - happiness - fulfilment. 

No where in this post did I say we earn our way into heaven by obeying God.  I didn't say it because I don't believe it.  Obedience grows from faith, and faith is given to us by God.  Our faith is grace, and by grace we are saved.  And that's the best reason to be obedient.