The Kingdom of Self

Overcoming the urge to build your own empire

We are all mini-empire builders, creating billions of tiny kingdoms around us. Because we exist only in our own body, mind, and soul, it is the default setting of humanity to think through this one perspective: myself.

But the Kingdom of God is upside down and invites us to repent and go the other way. To say this is difficult is an understatement. I can only be done with the help of a mediator and leader, Jesus.

I’ve started reading the Gospels this month, hoping to answer the question I’ve had for a long time: what does it mean to follow Jesus?

Following connotes that someone is leading, and you can see where you’re going. But how can you follow someone you cannot see? Let’s turn to the scriptures for some illumination.

Self-Denial

I suspect this will be a life-long journey of discovering the answer. I have some inclinations about what it means. For instance, I know there’s a lot of self-denial involved, which, now that I think about it, is probably the most important part—the denial of self.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Self-denial as “a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests.” So much of what Jesus says fits under this umbrella. The do unto others, the love your enemies, the love God and love others, and other teachings on humility and mercy. They all have an outward focus, and when they do have an inward focus, like the plank in your eye, it is still to help you see the spec of dust in your neighbor’s eye.

Follow Jesus

There are several scriptures where Jesus talks about what it means to follow him. Here is one from each Gospel:

And he said to them,
“Follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19 ESV

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples,
he said to them, “If anyone would come after me,
let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 8:34 ESV

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 ESV

When Jesus heard this, he said to him,
“One thing you still lack.
Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven;
and come, follow me.”

Luke 18:22 ESV

and one more from John for good measure since he has a lot to say on this subject:

My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them,
and they follow me.

John 10:27 ESV

To What End?

It appears there are several reasons why we should one, deny self and two, follow Jesus:

1. To serve (fishers of men)

2. To be blessed (treasures in heaven)

3. To walk with God (My sheep hear my voice)

4. To help others and participate in redeeming the World (light of the world)

5. To keep from sin and temptation (will not walk in darkness)

Indirectly, Jesus also shows other reasons for following him:

1. To be saved (John 3:16).

2. To bring glory to God (John 15:7-8)

3. To gain access to The Father (John 14:6)

4. To show others what Christians are like (John 13:35)

And lastly, Paul’s admonition says it best:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own interests
but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Resist the urge to build your own Kingdom. Instead, join the work of two millennia and help build God’s Kingdom on earth.

Dear Jesus,

We want to follow you!

Show us how.

Remind us how.

Lead us into your Kingdom.

Amen.