The value system that says “I want it all and I want it now” is far different from Kingdom values taught by Jesus Christ. Many in our day define success by possessions, money, and power. The focus is on gratifying fleshly desires, amassing wealth, and exercising power over others. Of course our earthly existence requires food, shelter, and clothing. Yet when the pursuit of these basics causes us to live independent from God, we become victims of a value system that if unchecked, can lead to our ultimate ruin. It is why our Lord set up kingdom values to teach us how to depend on Him to supply our physical needs and how to deal with those who reject our values. We read this in Luke CH. 6, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” Jesus urges us that in pursuing our basic needs, we must not lose sight of living by His Kingdom values.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
