It is common knowledge that in ministry we are to be Kingdom Focused. That kingdom being God’s Kingdom. Indeed, we study and preach the Bible. We attempt to live as the Bible teaches us, and as Christ demonstrated. That is Kingdom focused, right?

I would say, that depends. Do you consider the churches around you, even your own denomination, to be your allies or your competition? Do the members and leaders of your church see the successes (fruitfulness) of other churches as a victory for the Kingdom or as a threat to your church’s survival. When you hear of another church in your town having a great number of baptisms, do you rejoice with them, or do you think and perhaps verbally share, they must be preaching a “feel good gospel”?

I understand there are times when that may be true. Yet, I believe they are more rare than we expound. It is easier to downplay and even scorn the actions of others when they exceed those of our own church.

When you ride past another church that you know is only surviving with fewer people than your church, are your thoughts similar to, “I’m glad we’re not like them.” or “I’m glad we’re not that small.”? If so, have you not checked your kingdom focus at the door?

When we consider other churches as “the competition” or we piously hold our church as higher than another, we are indeed being something other than Kingdom focused. Should we not fear that God would remove our lampstand for such worldly thinking?  Being Kingdom focused is being totally concerned about His Kingdom not my kingdom. It is all about Jesus, not how big we can grow.

Jesus Himself in Luke 11:17 said, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” It is enough that the world and worldly culture is against the Kingdom of God, we are to be unified for Christ and the Kingdom of God.

Four things you can do to be more Kingdom focused:

Ask God to remove any competitive Spirit that would keep you (your church) from being completely Kingdom focused.

Pray asking God to mold you and the leaders of your church to be more focused on what God is doing everywhere rather than in your own church.

Ask for God’s forgiveness for all times you may have allowed your kingdom to displace God’s Kingdom focus.

Pray for other churches in your area. As you pray for others, God will open your eyes to opportunities in serving Him. Your church will be blessed.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.