Kingdom of Heaven vs Kingdom of Earth
Do you ever feel like you’re fighting a battle? Put on the armor of God for a conflict older than time.
Do you ever feel like you’re fighting a battle? Many of us feel overwhelmed, bombarded by one negative news story after another. As we look at the world around us, it can seem like everything is spiraling downward, leaving us to wonder what is happening. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives us answers.
Ephesians 6:10–11Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Two Kingdoms at War
There are two kingdoms: the kingdom of heaven, bestowed upon us through baptism and flourishing when it is nurtured; and the kingdom of earth, which Paul calls the powers of evil. This conflict has been ongoing since the time of Adam and Eve — there is nothing new under the sun.
A Conflict as Old as Time
The struggle began in the garden. To the serpent, God said:
Genesis 3:15I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.
There was also a rebellion in heaven, led by Lucifer, who said in his heart, “I will ascend above the heights; I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13–14). Yet Jesus, who descended from heaven, reminds us that “no one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven — the Son of Man” (John 3:13).
Drawing Strength for the Battle
Recognizing this ongoing battle is essential; and we must draw our strength from God. In the Lord’s Prayer we ask, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We cannot align ourselves with evil; we must strive to live righteously. (For more on resisting the pressures of the world, see Have The Courage To Stand Out.) As Paul advises:
- Draw your strength from the Lord
- Pray consistently
- Actively engage in your faith
- Receive the sacraments
Prayers are powerful, and our loving Father hears them and answers them. Jesus taught that it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. Let us seek God’s will and work to build the Kingdom of God. (Seeking that will is how each of us finds our purpose — see Purpose in Life.) Choose God, choose life, and choose goodness and love.
Chorbishop Don Sawyer — known warmly as Abouna Don — has spent a lifetime teaching the faith. His gift is making the rich tradition of the Church feel like a conversation across the kitchen table.
