Sonship - Success Through Access to Kingdom Resources

Sonship, that profound connection we have with God through Christ, isn't just a spiritual concept—it comes with tangible, powerful access to resources within the Kingdom of God. These resources are often imitated by the world but never matched, empower us to live extraordinary lives marked by purpose, influence, and abundance.

Wisdom

Among these unmatchable resources, wisdom reigns supreme. It's not just knowledge or intelligence; it's a divine insight that guides our decisions, illuminates our path, and unlocks solutions to life's challenges. Imagine navigating life's complexities with clarity and confidence, discerning truth from falsehood, and making choices aligned with God's will.

We've all had those moments where hindsight reveals a different path we should have taken. That nagging feeling in our gut, suggesting a different direction, often gets overridden by uncertainty, peer pressure, or misguided advice. We push forward, only to realize later, with a pang of regret, that we should have listened to that inner voice. It's in those moments we sometimes acknowledge, "I missed God." But the more we cultivate an awareness of divine wisdom and our access to it as sons and daughters of the King, the better we become at recognizing those "gut instincts" as the gentle whispers of God's guidance. We learn to discern His voice amidst the noise and make choices aligned with His perfect will, leading to greater fulfillment and peace.

Wisdom is a Kingdom resource available to all who ask. James 1:5 assures us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. But accessing this wisdom requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to challenge the assumptions and values of the world we inhabit. Living "Kingdomcentric" means recognizing that worldly wisdom often contradicts Kingdom wisdom. Our ambition to be number one, to climb the ladder of success, may clash with Kingdom principles that prioritize humility and service. Jesus's teaching that "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" exemplifies this counter-cultural approach. Similarly, the world may value power and dominance, while the Kingdom emphasizes compassion and forgiveness. Embracing Kingdom wisdom requires us to realign our priorities, to seek God's perspective above all else, and to trust that His ways are higher than our own.

Provision

That brings us to a second kingdom resource, provision, the unwavering assurance that our needs will be met. This isn't about accumulating wealth or material possessions, but about experiencing God's faithfulness as He provides for our every need, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It's about living with a deep sense of security and trust, knowing that we are cared for by a loving Father who owns it all.

Provisional awareness is the understanding that God can and does orchestrate circumstances and influence people to provide for our needs. It's about recognizing His hand at work, even when things seem impossible. I've lost count of the times I've felt that nudge from the Holy Spirit to be somewhere or do something, even when my bank account screamed otherwise.

I vividly recall feeling compelled to travel over a thousand miles to deliver a keynote address. My old car was on its last rod, and a flight was out of the question financially. Yet, a persistent inner voice urged me to say "yes." The next morning, a call came with an invitation to speak at another event conveniently located enroute to the first. It felt like confirmation, so I accepted.

Now, I wish I could say that my trusty car purred along for months afterward, but that wouldn't be true. In fact, it refused to start the morning I was supposed to leave for the second event. The host, a mechanically inclined individual, took one look under the hood and exclaimed, "Wow! I have this exact engine on a stand in my shop right now. If you can stay a couple more days and teach our ministry team, my guys will swap it out and get you back on the road." Coincidence? I think not. That's Kingdom provision in action.

You see, sometimes we lack provision not because we haven't asked, but because we haven't positioned ourselves to receive it. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, to take calculated risks, and to trust that God will meet us in the midst of our obedience. This isn't about reckless abandon, but about discerning God's wisdom and acting on it, even when it seems illogical or uncomfortable. When we move with a "Kingdomcentric" mindset, aligning our actions with God's guidance, resources often miraculously appear. A timely connection, an unexpected bonus, a sudden raise, or even a perfectly-timed thrift store find – these can all be manifestations of God's provision when we dare to step out in faith.

Some may dismiss these accounts as mere coincidence, but to those with eyes to see and ears to hear, they are undeniable evidence of God's provision at work. After all, as the Bible wisely states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1) Those who embrace their sonship and live with a "Kingdomcentric" perspective recognize the hand of the Father, orchestrating events and aligning circumstances to provide for His children. It's a beautiful dance of faith and obedience, where we step out in trust, and He faithfully meets us with His abundant provision.

Favor

While wisdom and provision are undeniably vital, let's not overlook another important Kingdom resource: favor.  Some of kingdom favor is won through wisdom and provision alone. Favor, in the biblical sense, goes beyond mere liking or preference. It's a supernatural empowerment, an influence that opens doors, softens hearts, and creates opportunities where they might not otherwise exist. I’ve actually had some say to me, “I can’t explain why I like you, because I can’t stand people like you.”

Think of favor as a divine endorsement, a seal of approval from the King himself. It's the kind of influence that causes others to see you in a positive light, to trust your judgment, and to be disposed towards helping you succeed. In relationships, favor fosters genuine connection and understanding, smoothing out rough edges and building bridges of trust. In business, it can lead to unexpected partnerships, promotions, and breakthroughs. And in our pursuit of purpose and success, favor unlocks doors that may have seemed firmly shut.

Scripture is replete with promises of God's favor upon His children. In Psalm 5:12, we read, "For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Proverbs 3:4 assures us, "Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." And in Luke 2:52, we see Jesus "growing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

These verses highlight the transformative power of favor. It's not just about getting ahead or achieving worldly success; it's about reflecting God's character and fulfilling His purposes in a way that attracts His blessing and the goodwill of others. When we walk in alignment with His will, seeking His Kingdom first, favor becomes a natural byproduct, opening doors and paving the way for us to make a lasting impact.

Creativity

We can't forget about creativity, that incredible capacity to bring forth something new and valuable. It's a hallmark of our Heavenly Father, the ultimate Creator, and as His sons and daughters, we are endowed with that same spark of divine ingenuity.

Creativity isn't limited to artistic expression; it permeates every aspect of Kingdomcentric living. It's about finding innovative solutions to problems, generating fresh ideas, and approaching challenges with a spirit of resourcefulness and imagination. It's about seeing possibilities where others see limitations and expressing the heart of God in unique and impactful ways.

Scripture affirms this creative potential within God's people. In Exodus 31:1-6, we see God filling Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit, granting them skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to construct the tabernacle. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  

These verses remind us that we are not just created by God but also created for creative expression. We are His masterpiece, designed to reflect His image and participate in His ongoing work of creation and transformation. Whether we're artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, or homemakers, we carry within us the potential to bring forth something beautiful, meaningful, and impactful. Embracing our creative inheritance allows us to contribute to the world in unique ways, leaving our mark and expanding the reach of His Kingdom.