Kingdom Ethics

by Beatrice Jean-Baptiste

Hebrews 1:8-9

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”

Are rich people less ethical?

According to research conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, possibly so.

While there are certain exceptions to the rule, the research suggests that greed skews our ethics because the rich are more inclined to view greed as good.

We live in a world of stark inequalities. Whether you find yourself enjoying wealth or barely getting by, remember that all are welcome in God’s kingdom because we all need a Savior.

In God’s kingdom, greed is nowhere to be found. Instead, it is built upon His integrity.

Right now, we live between What Is and What Is To Come and sometimes we get discouraged with the heartaches of this life. We struggle to grapple with the pain and corruption that is prevalent in our world, but this text reminds us that Jesus Christ is God and His throne is everlasting. He will have no successor and no government can overthrow His kingdom.

God’s kingdom is a celebration of love. There is no greed, inequality, or inequity.

As those who await this heavenly kingdom, let us love righteousness and hate iniquity as Christ does, for a day is coming when the things of this earth will be swallowed up by eternal bliss and satisfaction.


Reflection

What can I do today to promote God’s kingdom while still living on Earth?


Prayer

Precious Lord, I want to live in Your kingdom. May I love righteousness as much as You do. Empower me to richly live in Your integrity and to seek Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.