Do We Look Like God’s Kingdom?
Pastor Calvin Cook
September 25, 2026 — Day 14 of 30
Praying for God’s Kingdom
This week we have been considering how God’s Kingdom often begins small—like a seed planted in the ground. Today, the Apostle Paul in his letter to the early church of Corinth helps us recognize what that Kingdom looks like as it grows within us and among us.
The early Christians in Rome were disagreeing about food, sacred days, and personal convictions. These differences were becoming more important to them than their relationships with one another. People were judging each other, arguments were growing, and fellowship was being damaged.
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17
They were concentrating on outward matters while overlooking what truly reveals God.
Press pause and journey back with me to today asking the question: Are we doing the same?
We sometimes measure how good we are in God and our spiritual lives with a religious lens. Where we are more faithful and concerned with our customs, preferences, traditions, worship styles, and the way we have always done things. Thinking many times that is enough while Jesus is waiting for us to hear the words – “Come to me”. We are so determined to prove that we are right that we forget to ask whether our words and actions reflect Jesus.
Please make no mistake that Corinthians does not say that truth or holy living is unimportant. But there is a solid reminder that God’s Kingdom must produce something deeper within us: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness means living in a right relationship with God and allowing His character to shape how we treat others. It means choosing truth, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and obedience—even when doing so is difficult.
Peace is more than avoiding conflict. Kingdom peace seeks healing, reconciliation, and wholeness. It does not ignore wrongdoing, but it addresses what is wrong with humility, grace, and a desire to restore rather than destroy.
Joy is not pretending that life is easy. It is the deep assurance that God is present, Christ has overcome, and our hope does not depend upon our circumstances, or how much we have. This joy is given by the Holy Spirit and remains with us always.
These are not qualities we manufacture through determination alone. They are the work of the Holy Spirit as we surrender ourselves to God.
I have often prayed to change the atmosphere. The change in the atmosphere changes everything. We control what atmosphere we choose to live in. What kind of atmosphere am I creating around me? Is the atmosphere you’ve created God centered, you centered, or centered on something that really doesn’t matter.
When I enter my home, workplace, church, or community, do I bring righteousness, peace, and joy? Do my words make it easier for others to recognize Jesus? Am I helping heal division, or am I adding to it? Am I more interested in winning arguments and being right I am introducing people to Jesus.
Kingdom people speak truth with love. They refuse to participate in gossip. They listen before judging. They seek reconciliation where possible. They stand for what is right without losing compassion. Through out my life some of the happiest, Christ centered, joyful, loving people where the ones who had little to nothing. I often think of lady that lived in an old school bus on a hillside in southern PA.
The Kingdom becomes visible when a harsh word is replaced with grace, forgiveness, generosity overcomes selfishness, and peace enters a divided relationship.
If we are praying, “Your Kingdom come,” we must also be willing for the Holy Spirit to produce Kingdom fruit within us.
I’m thinking of the words from Bible Study last evening where my friend Diana shared the words, “we will be known by the way people see us live our lives.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, let the Kingdom of God become visible within me. Bring every attitude, word, decision, and relationship under the rule of Jesus. Teach me to live righteously, seek peace, and receive the joy that comes from Your presence. Show me where I have damaged my witness. Make me a person who in the name of Jesus changes the atmosphere of Your Kingdom into my home, church, workplace, and community. May others recognize the character of Jesus through the way I live and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s prayer step: Ask the Holy Spirit, “Which quality of Your Kingdom most needs to grow within me today—righteousness, peace, or joy?” Write down what comes to mind, then take one practical step that allows that quality to become visible in your relationships.
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