Why Christians Are Called to Stand Apart by Imitating Jesus
Introduction: The Challenge of Keeping the Kingdom Holy
If you’ve ever wondered what makes the kingdom of God different from the world around us, you’re not alone. For many Christians, it’s easy to get caught up in headlines, debates, and the pressure to pick sides. Jesus showed us a contrasting view. His followers are called to be set apart by love, not by power or politics. Keeping the kingdom holy means keeping it distinct, and that’s not always easy. In a world where the lines can get blurry, how can we make sure we show Jesus? How can we avoid merely reflecting the culture around us?
What Does It Mean to Be Christian?
The word “Christian” originally meant “little Christ”—someone who imitates Jesus. Being a Christian isn’t just about believing the right things; it’s about living in a way that mirrors Christ’s character. At the heart of Jesus’ life was a love that crossed boundaries, forgave enemies, and served the least. When we call ourselves Christians, we’re saying, “I want to love like Jesus loved.” That’s our true identity, and it’s what sets us apart from the kingdom of the world.
The Obviousness of the Kingdom of God
You don’t recognize the kingdom of God by a flag, a government, or a building. It’s not about having the most influence or being in charge. Instead, the kingdom is visible whenever someone chooses love over hate, service over selfishness, and forgiveness over revenge. Think of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. He also shared meals with outcasts. Those actions showed the world what God’s kingdom looks like. When we love sacrificially, we make the kingdom visible in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes.
Preserving the Distinctness of the Kingdom
It’s tempting to blend the kingdom of God with the systems and ideologies of the world. Sometimes, people try to “baptize” their favorite political party or social movement and call it God’s work. But Jesus was clear: his kingdom isn’t built on worldly power or popularity. When we mix up the two, we risk losing the unique beauty of the kingdom. The kingdom is a community shaped by Christlike love. It is not shaped by human agendas. The kingdom stays holy when it stays distinct.
Healthy Suspicion Toward Worldly Powers
Worldly governments and leaders have their place, but they can never replace God’s kingdom. Jesus warned his followers not to put their ultimate trust in rulers or laws. History shows that every human system is imperfect, and sometimes they even work against God’s ways. As Christians, we’re called to be good citizens. We also remember that our deepest loyalty is to a kingdom not of this world. Our hope isn’t in the next election or a new law—it’s in the love of Christ.
Jesus’ Example in Troubled Times
Jesus lived in a time of political turmoil, but he refused to be used by any party or movement. People wanted him to lead a revolution. They urged him to take sides. Still, he kept his focus on God’s bigger plan. This plan involved redeeming and restoring people through love. When challenged about paying taxes or dealing with injustice, Jesus chose the path of humility, truth, and grace. He didn’t avoid hard topics, but he always put God’s kingdom first. His life is our model for staying holy in a complicated world.
Practical Application: Living Out Calvary Love
So what does this look like in everyday life? It means choosing to love when it’s hard, forgiving when you’re hurt, and serving without expecting anything in return. Maybe it’s listening to someone you disagree with. It is showing kindness to a stranger. Or it’s standing up for those who are overlooked. It’s in these simple, often unnoticed moments that the kingdom shines brightest. When we love like Jesus, we keep the kingdom holy and distinct—no matter what the world is doing.
Conclusion: The Difficult Simplicity of the Kingdom
Keeping the kingdom holy isn’t about having all the answers or winning every argument. It’s about living out the simple, but radical, love of Christ. This kind of love doesn’t seek its own way or cling to power; it lays down its life for others. In a world full of noise and division, the kingdom of God stands out through humble service and sacrificial love. Let’s make God’s kingdom visible. We can do this by keeping it holy. We should love deeply. We must imitate Jesus in all we do.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 