Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

The Kingdom of God doesn’t work like things on this side of heaven. It seems like an upside-down kind of kingdom. But we can’t see things God’s way by simply standing on our heads. We can only understand God’s ways by reading His very words. 

This side of heaven, the first always wins and the last are the losers. Down is bad, unless it’s a fever or taxes, so we strive to climb our way up, to be the first and the best. But in the kingdom of heaven, the last will be first and the first will be last (Matthew 20:16), and only Jesus is the BEST—we are less (John 3:30).

This side of heaven, arrogance means power and pride is called a virtue. Superiority is good and weakness is bad. But Jesus came to strengthen the weak (Isaiah 40:29) and shame those who think they are strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Humility is key, because the Lord hates pride and detests arrogance (Proverbs 8:13).
This side of heaven, Jesus is forbidden where He’s needed most, enemies are hated, revenge is the norm. and purity is rare. But in His kingdom, Jesus goes even where He’s not wanted (Jeremiah 23:24), we are called to love and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44) and to bless those who hurt us (1 Peter 3:9). And we are only pure and holy and righteous because Jesus has reconciled us and MADE us that way (Colossians 1:22).

This side of heaven perfection is the goal, “flawless” is beautiful, “different” is shamed, and the smartest are rewarded. But on the only side of heaven that matters, only our Savior is perfect (Hebrews 5:9), and the only flawless things will be the new bodies Jesus gives us when He calls us home (2 Corinthians 5:1). We are all “set apart” and called to be different from this world (Romans 12:2). And “smart” doesn’t count—only the wisdom and knowledge that come from Jesus are honored (Colossians 2:2-3). 

As kingdom-minded followers of Christ, let’s focus our hearts and minds on bringing more of heaven down. Let’s be leaders who are servants and exalt the poor and the powerless, the humble and the holy. Let’s invite Jesus into the darkest places and love the most broken, and let’s celebrate those who choose set-apart over fitting in. Jesus’ way isn’t upside-down at all—the world’s is. The kingdom of heaven is right-side-up! It is here, it is now, and it is right where you belong! You are loved!