Changing Worlds

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. -- Hebrews 11:16

Making the world a better place sounds like a good idea.  I think, sometimes, those who reject God and criticize believers -- especially the followers of Christ, are disappointed, perhaps even frustrated that we have not, through the power of God, gotten rid of evil and corruption. 

Utopian plans and schemes are towers of Babel.  The foundations may start out well enough, but before the builders reach the heavens, there is conflict for their goals and their visions are no longer one.  The utopias – even the Christian ones, will invariably come up short. 

There is a saying that some people are so “heavenly minded” they are no earthly good.  C.S. Lewis, though, somewhere in his writings, suggested that it was really those most oriented toward heaven who ended up doing the most good on Earth.  If heaven is our goal, we get Earth thrown in.  When we seek only the good the world has to offer, we get neither. 

Living in the kingdom, living the kingdom life, transforms the world around us.  Anyone can see it on a smaller scale if they fall in love or have a child or grandchild.  The presence, even the thought, of a loved one lifts the soul and spirit, makes the darkest day brighter.  The world becomes a slightly better place because there is someone we love.  The kingdom of heaven, with its law of love, does the same thing on a grander scale. 

The kingdom of heaven is within you, Jesus said.  Love cannot be imposed by external forces.  I may comply with the laws of an earthly kingdom but I cannot be made to love, and without love, there is no transformation.  It is possible to manipulate people with fear, hate, lies and deception.  They will go along with the plan, to some extent, for a while.  It all ends, as we saw in the last century, with bloodshed, millions dying by violence and starvation – all for the “greater good” and the glorious utopian dreams of the well-intentioned. 

But they reply, The blood-letting was done by mad men.  Indeed, it is the mad who rise to rule where God is locked out, and men become mad when they have the power of life and death. 

Love or death is the only choice reality offers.  Experience the metamorphosis of love.  Enter the kingdom of love and let the God of love rule in your heart.  The world will change.