Finding the spiritual “It factor”…Can it be done?

Warrior, Lover, Teacher, King

Via The Joshua Commission

 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

As I observe and admire the spiritual giants in my life (and I’m not young), it would be really great if I could point to a tried and true process as to how they came to be a Warrior-Lover-Teacher-King. If you’re thinking “Well, that’s simple!” Then I would guess you’re focusing on the elemental aspects of “living a Christian life” like putting Christ first, Bible study, steady prayer life, regular worship and communion. Of course that’s part of it, but… As I take a serious look at those who are Kingdom men through and through… it gets a bit more gritty and real. 

So since I don’t have space for a novel here, I’ll list 2 ever-present characteristics which I have always seen in a rock-solid Kingdom man. First: Total surrender. Not to the enemy, of course. The Bible tells us to give up hope of accomplishing anything worthwhile on our own and give total control and trust to The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before you say “I’ve tried that before” - no you haven’t. If you had it would’ve worked. Nothing brings victory like brokenness and TOTAL surrender to Christ. That’s why it says …”in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Second: Never Quit (“steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”). There is no substitute for perseverance. It always has been and always will be a key element in the success of any undertaking. Especially the spiritual kind.

Warrior-Lover-Teacher-King are foundational virtues that cannot be lived out without a genuine love for Christ. You cannot fake it. In this instance, love is a noun AND a verb. My sincere hope is that no one told you that this was going to be easy. As you’ve guessed by now, that was not a very smart thing to say. 

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!