What does it mean to live in the kingdom of God? It begins with recognizing Jesus as our King of Kings and choosing to live out His commands and teachings. It’s about aligning our hearts, values, and lives with His. We adopt a kingdom mindset of seeing the world through His eyes and using His perspective in our decision making and lifestyle choices.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is not a physical location or following a set of rules. It’s the reign of God in the hearts and lives of His people.
It begins with the work of the Holy Spirit transforming us from the inside out and extends into our relationships, our choices, and how we live each day.
Jesus spoke often about the kingdom, revealing that it is both a present reality and a future hope. When we place our faith in Him, we become citizens of this eternal, unshakable, and indestructible kingdom!
Bible Verses About Living in the Kingdom
Scripture gives us a clear picture of what it means to live in God’s kingdom. These verses offer guidance and encouragement for how to live as kingdom people:
- Matthew 6:33–“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.“
Jesus calls us to prioritize God’s kingdom above everything else. That means turning to Him first when we need help, filling our thoughts with His desires, and modeling our lives after Jesus’ example. - John 3:3–“No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.“
Jesus tells Nicodemus that entering His kingdom requires repentance and spiritual rebirth. It’s not about nationality, works, or status but about having a personal relationship with Him. God’s redemptive plan is for all; designed to prevent pride and encourage humility. - Romans 14:17–“The kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.“
As citizens of the kingdom, our lives should reflect God’s values- doing what is right, living in peace, and sharing His joy with others. - Hebrews 12:28–“Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.“
No matter what happens in this life, our future is secure. We are to build our lives on this solid foundation.
Principles of Kingdom Living
Living in the kingdom means more than believing in God; it’s about allowing His reign to shape every part of our lives. Here are the key principles that guide us as kingdom citizens:
- Submit to Jesus’ Lordship: We commit to living under the authority of Jesus, obeying His Word, and reflecting His character in our daily lives.
- Pursue Christ-likeness: Kingdom living is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Him; putting His teachings into action and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us.
- Walk by Faith: We trust God’s wisdom, plans, and timing over our own understanding. Living in the kingdom means leaning on His strength, not our own.
- Serve Others Selflessly: Jesus modeled servant leadership! Kingdom living calls us to love and serve others with humility and compassion.
- Live Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly: As Micah 6:8 reminds us, God desires we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. These values shape a kingdom lifestyle.
What Does Living in the Kingdom Look Like?
Living in the kingdom is about transformation; both inward and outward. It’s not about religious performance, appearances, or checking boxes. It’s about a growing relationship with Jesus that produces visible fruit in our lives.
Billy Graham once asked, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?“
The evidence is in the fruit we produce- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
We become living testimonies of God’s transforming power. Others can experience His love, peace, and grace through us, which will draw them to the King we serve.
Jesus said:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4-5.
Our connection to Jesus is what produces kingdom fruit. When we stay rooted in Him, His life flows through us, shaping our character and influencing how we interact with others.
Living in the kingdom shows up in how we treat people, how we respond to challenges, and how we love those around us.
Living in the Kingdom While Living on Earth
Jesus clarified His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. It transcends politics, geography, and culture.
When questioned by Pilate, Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest… But now my kingdom is from another place.“John 18:36.
He wanted Pilate to understand His kingdom was not a rival political kingdom to Rome and was not of this world.
He built his kingdom on peace, love, sacrifice, humility, and righteousness, not power, wealth, or control. It is for all people, and commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations.”(Matthew 28:19-20).
As kingdom citizens, we live here on earth but belong to a greater, eternal reality. Our ultimate loyalty is to Christ our King, and our lives should reflect the values of His kingdom- even when they conflict with the values of the surrounding culture.
In the World but Not of the World
Jesus prayed for His followers:
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.” John 17:14
Being “of the world” means living by the world’s standards: chasing status, wealth, or self-gratification, and allowing culture to shape our identity. But as kingdom people, we are called to something higher.
We are to live with humility, love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, and reflect God’s love in all we do. Jesus calls us to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), shining His light into dark places so that others can see Him through us.
Living in the kingdom doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world or isolating ourselves from unbelievers. Instead, it means engaging with the world in a way that points people to Jesus.
We are called to be witnesses of the gospel- not judges or moral police- and to live in a way that pleases God.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.
Living in the Kingdom Today
Living in the kingdom of God is both a present calling and a future promise. At this moment, we are called to take part in God’s redemptive work in the world, sharing His love, advancing His mission, and living out His values. And one day, when Christ returns, we will experience the fullness of His kingdom in all its glory.
Living in the kingdom is not about perfection; it’s about daily surrender, intentional growth, and joyful obedience to our King. As we walk with Jesus and allow His Spirit to shape us, we experience the righteousness, peace, and joy that define His eternal kingdom right here and right now.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
To help you go deeper, I’ve created a brand new 5-page Reflection Journal: Living in the Kingdom- A Reflection Journal for Women of Faith. These guided prompts help you reflect on where God is calling you to grow, identify how the fruit of the Spirit is evident in your life, embrace a kingdom mindset, and shine His light around you. Each page is designed to draw you closer to God and help you live as a citizen of His unshakable kingdom! Click on the image below to download your free journal now from my Bible Printables page!
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva
thank you for the words I understand more about living a kingdom life
Praise God! Thanks for reading and your kind words. It is what I pray for- the understanding of His Word to become clear so that we can live for Him. God bless you, Yvonne!
Amen 🙏❤️ The kingdom of God is He reign in our hearts and in our lives, surrendering and aligning our will to His will, walking daily in His ways , obeying His commands.
Thank you for this wonderful post❤️ God bless you🙏❤️
I loved this topic! So often I get caught up in what is going on in this world and forget to put Him and His ways first. Sadly, many missed Jesus’ instructions on living in His kingdom in His day and it continues today. He needs us as shining lights! Thank you for your encouraging words. 🙂