Above Earthly Kingdoms

[Daily Devotional]

Above Earthly Kingdoms 

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5: 19. 

The qualities which shine with greatest luster in the kingdoms of the world,
have no place in Christ's spiritual kingdom. That which is highly exalted
among men, and brings exaltation to its possessor, such as caste, rank,
position, or wealth, is not esteemed in the spiritual kingdom. The Lord
says, "Them that honour me, I will honour" (1 Sam. 2: 30). In Christ's
kingdom men are distinguished according to their piety. . . . 

The kingdom of heaven is of a higher order than any earthly kingdom. Whether
we shall have a higher position or a lower position, will not be determined
by our rank, wealth, or education, but by the character of the obedience
rendered to the word of God. Those who have been actuated by selfishness and
human ambition, who have been striving to be greatest, who have been self-
important, who have felt above confessing mistakes and errors, will have no
place in the kingdom of God. Whether men will be honored as members of the
royal family of God, will be determined by the manner in which they bear the
test and proving of God that is brought to bear upon them in this life.
Those who have not been self- denying, who have not manifested sympathy for
the woes of others, who have not cultivated the precious attributes of love,
who have not manifested forbearance and meekness in this life, will not be
changed when Christ comes. . . . 

The character which we now manifest is deciding our future destiny. The
happiness of heaven will be found by conforming to the will of God, and if
men become members of the royal family in heaven, it will be because heaven
has begun with them on earth. They have cherished the mind of Christ, and
when the call comes, "Child, come up higher," the righteous will take every
grace, every precious, sanctified ability, into the courts above, and
exchange earth for heaven. God knows who are the loyal and true subjects of
His kingdom on earth, and those who do His will upon earth as it is done in
heaven, will be made the members of the royal family above. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 59