We are, without question, entering a future where everything is changing with accelerating speed.  These complexities will demand from each of us an increased embrace of the Kingdom mystery that is unshakable.

            Over the years much of the Kingdom mystery has been opened to us in Christ and has served as a continuous source of life and purpose. It is essentially unaffected by time, social change, religious winds, or present crisis. However, because Kingdom is eternal, its mystery has been designed to reveal itself progressively as the future unfolds.

            What is happening in our world is not a mystery to Him. However, it can be a mystery to us. He is our Father, and He owns the future. He is prepared to walk with us into an uncertain future with understanding, protection, and, most importantly, the fulfillment of our callings. We are called to bear Kingdom fruit.

            As events continue to unfold, we need to revisit our own “job description” and personal callings with renewed earnest. In so doing we may find a fresh degree of personal responsibility breaks upon us. The Message translation spells it out most effectively:

This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me [italics mine] (Col. 1:26-29).

            Consider reexamining yourself in each of these most critical spiritual postures. Abiding steadfastly within them is essential for confronting the future with increased maturity.

Abide in:

1. Faith. God is our Father. Regardless of “happenings,” He is good! He intends to do us good. He will cause all things to work for the good of our lives. If we lose this foundation, all else crumbles (See Luke 11:11-13).
2. Hope. Christ asked us not to allow anything or anyone to offend or cause us to stumble. As mystery deepens, the cost of discipleship increases. Welcome it! We must be steadfast in fixing hope in the “words of Life” (See John 6:61, 66-68).
3. Love. Agape is our unshakable foundation, the absolute of all creation. Are we allowing Agape to control our intents, desires, and actions? (See 2 Corinthians 5:14).

Single-minded in:

1. Kingdom priority. Jesus directly said, “Strive for and maintain the Kingdom as your priority.” Everything else is secondary. It is possible to hit the target and miss the bullseye.
2. Kingdom value: The “righteousness” we are asked to seek is living life “in His way”. This righteousness is relational. Are you abiding in His yoke?
3. Kingdom expectation. We are encouraged to know “All else needed will be added”(Matthew 6:33).

Please look to the future and all its mysteries with anticipation. When all else is shaken, the Kingdom remains unshakable. We can count on it!

Your fellow-travelers into this future together,

Bob and Judith Mumford and the Lifechangers staff