Bringing God’s Kingdom to the Marketplace
by Ed Silvoso
| The following article is based on Ed Silvoso’s messages at the CIBN conference and his book, Anointed for Business (Order Here from Identity Network).
Since September 11, 2001, the Western world has become aware that militant Islamic groups believe it is the will of Allah (the Arabic term for God) that those who enforce strict Islamic law take over the world. Such groups believe that those who submit will live under this rule; those who do not will be killed – no mercy. Many are not aware that Jesus has a similar plan. But rather than military force and physical bloodshed, Christ’s kingdom will be extended through love and grace towards all people (I John 4:7-21). Our call as believers is to bring the rule of God’s kingdom to this earth, to ensure that righteousness, not evil, rules in our lives, our homes, our businesses, our cities and our nations. We also have no mercy. Our wrath is directed toward Satan and his kingdom, not human beings. We seek to destroy the works of the devil, such as poverty, despair, cruelty, illness, hatred, strife, destruction and selfish gain (Galatians 5:19-23; Ephesians. 6:10-12). Much of the Church has focused on bringing these truths to our own lives and homes, and rightly so. But now the Holy Spirit is awakening our vision to see that the kingdom of God is to manifest in businesses, government and schools; at sales meetings, soccer practice and the post office (especially at post offices!) Satan has deceived us into believing that the kingdom of God relates to the future and will only become a reality after the rapture of the saints out of this world. He has also far too successfully convinced us that we are to hide from the pollution of the world, avoiding the marketplace whenever possible. However, when Christians avoid the marketplace, they leave it in the hands of the ungodly–exactly the opposite of what God desires. |
|
|
Christians see themselves as relating to the marketplace at one of the following four levels: 2. Some Christians seek to honor Christ and have a good testimony, but do not expect to change their environment. 3. Some Christians do business in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit, 4. Other Christians have seen their personal work life transformed and are now committed to the total transformation of the marketplace. When we see our mission as ambassadors of Christ, who came to seek, save and restore what was lost from God’s original creation on earth, we have the faith that God will empower us to affect our workplaces. As we care for God ’s creation, our labor becomes an act of worship to God. By realizing that there is no biblical distinction between the “sacred” and the “secular,” all of our existence becomes an opportunity to glorify God and expand His kingdom. But the kingdom will only be expanded by reaching out to the areas that are not yet under its influence. Jesus sent 70 who followed Him out into the world, as lambs in the midst of wolves (Luke 10:3). They came back rejoicing that they had gained the upper hand over the darkness. From that point, the demonic influences ruling that area were brought low and the spiritual climate of the region was changed. Jesus gave specific instructions to the 70 which will work for believers in the marketplace today. First, speak peace to the area where you are sent. Then fellowship with the people there – yes, even eating and drinking with them. Third, care for the people’s needs. This includes praying with them for miracles, breakthroughs and whatever else they may need that can only be met by supernatural means. Finally, proclaim that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 10:5-9). The Bible tells us that the two greatest commands are to love God with all our faculties and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Those who need God’s love the most, those we often feel are the most despicable and are the most uncomfortable to be around, are the ones Jesus called our neighbor. In other words, we obey God’s commands when we willingly join the system, embrace it, improve it and bring the kingdom of God-His love, care and provision-to those who are in it. They may not be our “cup of tea,” but Christ died for them and then sent us as His ambassadors to find them. We too can have the joy of seeing the forces of darkness succumb to the power of God in us, and the greater joy of seeing the lost have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. | |