The Way of Kings

1. Embrace Your Royal Identity as a King Under God

"We are royalty not because of something we've done but instead because of the lineage and inheritance that has been given to us."

Divine inheritance. As believers, we are adopted into God's royal family, giving us a noble identity and purpose. This inheritance comes with both privileges and responsibilities. We are called to rule over the domains God has entrusted to us - our lives, talents, relationships, and spheres of influence.

Kingly character. Embracing our royal identity means developing virtues like integrity, courage, wisdom, and compassion. Like biblical kings such as David, we are to be people after God's own heart, leading with justice and mercy. This requires ongoing character formation as we learn to steward our influence for good.

Kingdom perspective. Seeing ourselves as kings under the King of Kings shifts our worldview. We begin to see our lives as part of a greater story and purpose. Our decisions and actions take on deeper significance as we seek to advance God's kingdom values in our spheres of influence, big and small.

2. Cultivate Humility and Servant Leadership

"We must ask ourselves what kind of king we will be and what kingdom we are living for. Is it one of temporary pleasures or eternal glory?"

Countercultural kingship. True kingship in God's kingdom looks radically different from worldly power. Jesus modeled servant leadership, humbling himself to serve others. As kings, we are called to follow his example of selflessness and putting others first.

Power redefined. Real strength is found in humility, not dominance. By embracing our weaknesses and dependence on God, we tap into his power. This paradox of "strength in weakness" enables us to lead and influence others more effectively.

Eternal perspective. Cultivating humility requires keeping an eternal perspective. We recognize that our earthly status and accomplishments are temporary, while investing in God's kingdom has lasting value. This mindset frees us from the need for worldly validation and empowers us to make sacrificial choices for the good of others.

3. Face Your Dragons with Courage and Faith

"We each will be given dragons to wrestle in our lives. Our dragons most likely won't look like Saint George's dragon. They most likely won't breathe fire or have razor-sharp talons. But they will be real."

Identifying your dragons. Modern-day dragons come in many forms: depression, addiction, fear, past trauma, or destructive habits. Recognizing and naming these challenges is the first step in confronting them.

Armoring up. To face our dragons, we need spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18):

• Belt of truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Shoes of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit (God's Word)

Battling with faith. Overcoming our dragons requires both human effort and divine intervention. We must take action while relying on God's strength and promises. This journey often involves setbacks, but persistence and faith lead to victory.

4. Build a Strong Support Network

"To live into our potential as kings, we must open ourselves up and invite friendship. We must create and join round tables where we can find them."

Kingly companionship. Even kings need allies and friends. Building a network of supportive relationships is crucial for personal growth, accountability, and encouragement. This "round table" can include mentors, peers, and those we mentor.

Diverse council. Seek wisdom from various sources:

• Spiritual advisors
• Professional mentors
• Trusted friends
• Counselors or therapists
• Books and learning resources

Vulnerability and trust. Creating deep connections requires opening up and being authentic. While this can feel risky, it's essential for true friendship and growth. Choose your inner circle wisely, cultivating relationships with those who share your values and support your growth as a "king."

5. Practice Self-Sacrifice and Vulnerability

"To be good kings, we must be strong. But maybe, like both David and Jesus, part of being a good, strong king is allowing our bodies, minds, and hearts to express the pain we each feel."

Redefining strength. True strength isn't about stoicism or invulnerability. It's found in the courage to be open, authentic, and willing to sacrifice for others. This mirrors Christ's example of laying down his life for others.

Healing through vulnerability. Acknowledging our pain and struggles allows for healing and growth. By being honest about our weaknesses, we create space for God's grace and the support of others. This vulnerability also enables us to connect more deeply with those we lead and influence.

Sacrificial love. Self-sacrifice is at the heart of Christian kingship. This means:

• Putting others' needs before our own
• Being willing to face discomfort for the greater good
• Using our resources and influence to serve others
• Making choices that align with God's kingdom, even when costly

6. Pursue Wisdom and Silence

"To be good and wise kings, we must utilize the art of silence like Jesus did."

Valuing wisdom. Like King Solomon, we should prioritize gaining wisdom over worldly pursuits. This involves:

• Studying Scripture
• Learning from mentors and experiences
• Developing discernment
• Applying knowledge practically

Power of silence. In a noisy world, cultivating silence is crucial. Benefits include:

• Hearing God's voice more clearly
• Developing self-awareness
• Improving listening skills
• Gaining clarity and perspective

Thoughtful speech. By practicing silence, we learn to speak with greater intention and impact. Our words become more valuable when we're not constantly talking. This restraint in speech is a mark of wisdom and maturity.

7. Live with Purpose and Freedom

"God created the wild wind, roaring seas, and epic mountains. And that same God made you!"

Breaking free from constraints. While kingship comes with responsibilities, it also offers true freedom. We're liberated from the world's expectations to live out God's unique calling for our lives. This might mean pursuing unconventional paths or using our gifts in creative ways.

Adventurous faith. God invites us into a life of purpose and excitement. This involves:

• Taking holy risks
• Stepping out of comfort zones
• Embracing creativity and imagination
• Seeing everyday life through the lens of God's grand story

Balancing structure and freedom. While we have freedom in Christ, we also need discipline to live out our calling effectively. This balance involves creating healthy rhythms and habits that support our growth while remaining open to God's leading and new opportunities.

8. Confront and Smash Your Idols

"Idols look good to many of us. They promise us what we want but don't tell of the consequences."

Identifying modern idols. Today's idols often masquerade as good things:

• Money and success
• Relationships and approval
• Comfort and security
• Power and influence
• Physical appearance

Consequences of idolatry. When we elevate anything above God, it leads to:

• Disappointment and emptiness
• Damaged relationships
• Spiritual stagnation
• Loss of true purpose

Practical idol-smashing. Steps to overcome idolatry:

1. Honest self-examination
2. Repentance and realignment of priorities
3. Cultivating gratitude for God's provision
4. Establishing healthier boundaries with potential idols
5. Regularly surrendering areas of life to God's lordship

9. Take Responsibility and Overcome Victimhood

"As kings, we mustn't give in to the easy way of living as a victim of our circumstances; instead, we must take God's hand and assert agency over the circumstances we have been given."

Rejecting victim mentality. While acknowledging real pain and injustice, we must resist the temptation to remain in a state of perpetual victimhood. This mindset limits our growth and potential impact.

Embracing agency. With God's help, we have the power to shape our responses to circumstances. This involves:

• Taking responsibility for our choices
• Seeking healing and growth from past hurts
• Setting healthy boundaries
• Taking action to create positive change

Empowered perspective. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This shift in mindset allows us to approach difficulties with resilience and hope, knowing that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

10. Embrace the Process of Growth with Patience

"As we step into the destiny God has called us to, we may be tempted to think we should have everything we desire. But God is offering us an opportunity to prepare—to wait well."

Valuing the journey. In an instant-gratification culture, we must learn to appreciate the process of growth. Character development, skill-building, and spiritual maturity all take time and cannot be rushed.

Active waiting. Periods of waiting are not wasted time, but opportunities for preparation. Like David tending sheep before becoming king, we can use seasons of obscurity to develop our character and skills.

Key aspects of "waiting well":

• Faithfulness in small tasks
• Developing disciplines and habits
• Learning from mentors and experiences
• Cultivating patience and perseverance

Trust in God's timing. Recognizing that God's timeline often differs from ours. This requires faith to believe that He is working even when we can't see immediate results. Embracing this perspective allows us to find joy and purpose in every season of life.

Last updated: August 10, 2024