The Way into the Kingdom: A Journey of Dependence, Obedience, and Surrender

In our quest for spiritual growth and connection with God, we often ponder the nature of His kingdom and how we can truly enter it. The path to God's kingdom is not always easy, but it is a journey worth embarking on. Let's explore the essential elements of entering God's kingdom.

1. Childlike Dependence: The Gateway to God's Kingdom

Jesus once said, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Mark 10:15). But what does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child? It's not about innocence or gullibility, as we might first assume. Instead, it's about total dependence.

Think of a nursing infant - completely reliant on its parents for survival. This child brings nothing to the table except need. Similarly, we must come to God with spiritual bankruptcy, recognizing our utter dependence on Him. It's by grace alone, through faith, that we enter His kingdom. This childlike dependence is beautifully captured in the hymn "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand":

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' name."

2. The Narrow Path of Obedience

Once we've entered through childlike dependence, we find ourselves on a narrow path. Jesus taught, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13-14).

This narrow path is one of obedience. It's not about Christian busyness or religious activity. It is about saying yes to God and His Word. Obedience keeps us on the path, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

James reminds us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). While works do not save us, true saving faith inevitably produces fruit in keeping with repentance. You cannot repent and not change - repentance, by definition, involves changing your mind, direction, and action.

The prophet Samuel's words to King Saul ring true today: "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22). God desires our obedience more than our religious performances or sacrifices.

3. Surrender: Letting Go of Everything

The final aspect of entering God's kingdom is surrender. Jesus taught it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25). This isn't about condemning wealth but highlighting the danger of self-reliance.

Anything we use in place of God - whether it's money, entertainment, food, relationships, or our own abilities - needs to be surrendered. These things can chip away at our dependence on God and dull our spiritual hunger.

Surrender is like floating in water. It's scary to fall back, to let go of control, but once we do, we find ourselves buoyed by God's grace. When we surrender, we die to ourselves and our self-sufficiency, taking up our cross to follow Jesus.

Practical Applications

As we seek to walk this path of dependence, obedience, and surrender, here are some practical areas to consider:

1. Entertainment: Are there shows or movies you watch that you wouldn't be comfortable watching with Jesus? It's not about following arbitrary rules but about not grieving the Holy Spirit who lives in you.

2. Comfort-seeking: What do you turn to for comfort, rest, and peace? While things like exercise, friendships, or even coffee aren't inherently bad, they shouldn't replace our reliance on God as our ultimate source of comfort.

3. Tithing and Generosity: Tithing isn't about being generous - it's about obedience. But it can break the grip of greed in our lives and prepare our hearts for true generosity.

4. Daily Dependence: Are you living each day in recognition of your need for God, or are you operating in self-sufficiency?

The Journey Continues

Entering and walking in God's kingdom is a lifelong journey. We start by coming to Jesus with nothing but our need, totally dependent on His grace. We continue by walking in obedience, staying on the narrow path even when it's difficult. And we grow by continually surrendering everything that would take God's place in our lives.

This journey isn't always easy. Sometimes we fall, but as Proverbs reminds us, "for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again" (Proverbs 24:16). When we stumble, we don't wallow in self-condemnation. Instead, we get back up, trusting in God's grace, and continue walking in obedience.

Remember, few find this path. It's not the popular or easy way. But it leads to life - true, abundant, eternal life in God's kingdom. As we walk this path, we become more like Christ and invite others to join us on this transformative journey.

So, let's embrace childlike dependence, commit to obedience, and surrender everything to God. In doing so, we'll enter more fully into the beautiful, challenging, life-giving reality of God's kingdom. May we have the courage to take this journey, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.