Virtues of the Kingdom

"I know all that you’ve done for me—your love and faith, your ministry and steadfast perseverance. In fact, you now excel in these virtues even more than at the first." Revelation 2:19 TPT

This was a letter to the church of Thyatira written by Paul the Apostle. He begins by acknowledging the admirable virtues of the church, then following into a rebuke calling out what the church has done wrong. The church has tolerated Jezebel the sexual immorality entered the church through satanic infiltration.

These character traits in the verse above are of the Kingdom of God, we should earnestly desire to walk in them. Love the greatest of all commands. Faith the key to enter the Kingdom and experience it. Ministry the heart poster to serve the church and desire to be in his will above your own. Steadfast perseverance necessary to not quit, not back down, not give up, not relent to pursue God no matter what.

A runner who trains for a race, must acquire a steadfast perseverance. We need the heart of athlete for the Kingdom of God. We need Jesus to prize we pursue. He is the goal. This is a choice and mindset we should desire above anything in this world. In Him, is the fullness of life. In Matthew 6:33 (NLT), "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." If you're looking for a life of joy, seek God. If you're looking for love, seek God. If you're looking for peace, seek God. Everything we need is in Him, and Him alone. When horses are being trained, they are given blinders, these help to keep the eye from looking left or right, rather it fixes the eye to look forward. Isaiah wrote that he will "fix his eyes like flint on God" and this will not lead to shame. (Isaiah 50:7) There is a reward for those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NLT) This pleases God, when we desire to be with God, believe him, and follow him.

We must ask ourselves are we pursuing Gods gifts more than the Gift Giver.

We must ask ourselves are we wanting the healing more than the Healer himself.

we must ask ourselves are we wanting the blessing more than the Blesser.

Our flesh lusts for more pleasure, more things, more experience, more this, more that. When our spirit knowns only Jesus can truly satisfy us.

Reflection :

Will we ask God to develop godly virtues of the kingdom in us? The world offers behavior modification, God requires a heart transformation. Will we let his word transform us. Romans 12:2 (NLT) "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Will you allow God to do a holy work in you, to produce a holy life, pleasing to Him?

Reference Scripture :

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

Prayer:

God, give me the desire to do what pleases you. Amen.