Preparing Our Hearts for the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is the central theme of Scripture, it represents the hope of salvation, the restoration of God’s plan for mankind, and the promise of eternal life under the reign of Jesus Christ. As we await the coming Kingdom, it is vital that we prepare our hearts to live in accordance with God's will. In this blog, we will explore what it means to prepare for the Kingdom of God, drawing upon biblical teachings to guide our actions and thoughts.

What Does It Mean to Prepare for the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is not just a future event but a present reality that is developing within us. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, frequently spoke of the coming Kingdom and how we should live in anticipation of its arrival. In Matthew 6:33, Christ commands:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
(Matthew 6:33)

This verse highlights the importance of prioritising God's Kingdom above all else. Preparing our hearts for the Kingdom begins with a deep commitment to seeking God’s righteousness—living according to His commandments, aligning our lives with His will, and devoting ourselves to His service.

1. Repenting and Turning to God

One of the first steps in preparing our hearts is repentance. Repentance means a complete turning away from sin and a decision to follow God’s ways. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, preached repentance as a key to entering the Kingdom:

"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
(Matthew 3:2)

True repentance leads to transformation. It is not just a change in actions but also in heart and mind. In Acts 3:19, we are urged:

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
(Acts 3:19)

Repentance clears the path to spiritual renewal, enabling us to reflect God's love and righteousness.

2. Living in Obedience to God’s Word

Our hearts are prepared for the Kingdom of God when we live according to His Word. Jesus taught that those who hear God’s words and do them are like wise men who build their house on a solid foundation:

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."
(Matthew 7:24)

Obedience is not merely a matter of outward actions, but it stems from an inward transformation—a heart that delights in the law of the Lord. David, a man after God’s own heart, declared in Psalm 119:11:

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
(Psalm 119:11)

Living in obedience means aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with the teachings of Scripture. It requires regular prayer, Bible study, and seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of life.

3. Faith and Trust in God

Faith is foundational in preparing for the Kingdom of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God or inherit the Kingdom. Hebrews 11:6 teaches:

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
(Hebrews 11:6)

Faith involves trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It is believing in the hope of the resurrection and the reality of the Kingdom, as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:24-25:

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
(Romans 8:24-25)

Faith also calls us to endure trials with the assurance that God’s Kingdom will soon be established, bringing eternal peace and joy.

4. Living a Life of Love and Service

As we prepare for the Kingdom of God, we are called to live lives of love and service, reflecting the character of Christ. Jesus teaches that love is the greatest commandment, and the key to preparing for the Kingdom is to love God and our neighbor:

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
(Matthew 22:37-39)

Love for others is not just an emotion but a commitment to selfless action. We are called to serve others, just as Christ served us. In Mark 9:35, Jesus sets the example:

"If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
(Mark 9:35)

Our actions towards others—showing kindness, patience, forgiveness, and generosity—are reflections of the heart that is ready for the Kingdom of God.

5. Anticipating the Return of Christ

Finally, preparing for the Kingdom of God involves anticipating the return of Jesus Christ. The early Christians lived in eager expectation of Christ’s return, and so should we. The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10:

"For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
(1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Living in anticipation means keeping our hearts and minds focused on the hope of Christ’s return, and making every effort to remain faithful and prepared for that glorious day.

Conclusion

Our hope is fixed on the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God's Kingdom. Preparing our hearts for the Kingdom is an ongoing process of repentance, obedience, faith, love, and anticipation. We are called to live according to the principles outlined in Scripture, nurturing a heart that reflects the character of God and His righteousness. May we, like the faithful servants in the parables, be ready when the Kingdom of God is revealed.

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
(Matthew 24:42)

Let us be vigilant in our preparation, trusting in God's promises, and eagerly awaiting the coming of His Kingdom!