This is Not a Democracy

based on the sermon, “Kingdom Principles” by Pastor Richard Colhouer 
Click here to listen to the full message.

Matthew 6:33 tells us plainly, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It’s a familiar verse, one many of us can quote without hesitation. But familiarity doesn’t always mean understanding. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we know the words so well that we stop letting them search us.

Recently, there’s been a lot of noise online revolving around the parody Druski made at a “mega church” about churches and leadership, painting them as self-serving or disconnected from people. While the act was offensive, the whole ordeal does cause reflection. It also stirs gratitude. Gratitude for godly leadership that truly cares about people, not just platforms or appearances. Leadership that points us, again and again, back to God’s kingdom, not personal kingdoms.

So instead of lingering on opinions or distractions, here at New Life, we go straight to Scripture. Because when everything else fades, the Word remains. And the Word invites us into something deeper, not just belief, but kingdom living.

Here are some things to consider about kingdom living.

When Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God, many of His listeners misunderstood Him. They were expecting a political overthrow, a visible throne, a ruler who would dismantle the Roman Empire. What Jesus brought instead was far more powerful, and far more demanding. The kingdom of God isn’t an earthly system; it’s divine government. It’s God’s rule and reign established in hearts and lived out on earth. This is where it gets uncomfortable for many of us.

We’re shaped by democratic culture where opinions matter, preferences matter, independence matters. But a kingdom doesn’t function that way. In a kingdom, the king’s word is final. Jesus is not one voice among many; He is the authority. And citizenship in His kingdom requires submission, not negotiation.

Scripture is clear! The kingdom of God is not something we drift into casually. There is a defined entry point—repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t about tradition or denomination; it’s about transformation. As Romans 14:17 reminds us, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

First Corinthians 6 makes it even plainer. We all came from somewhere. “Such were some of you,” Paul writes. But we were washed. We were sanctified. We were justified. Entering the kingdom means dying to who we were so we can live under the authority of who He is. You cannot receive kingdom benefits while resisting the King’s authority. It simply doesn’t work that way.

Submission is one of the hardest concepts for us to embrace. We don’t like being corrected. We don’t like being told what to do. We prefer autonomy, even in our faith. But a kingdom operates on authority, order, and structure. Jesus is the King, but He also establishes leadership on earth to shepherd, guide, and watch over souls.

God speaks in alignment through His Word, through His Spirit, and through godly leadership. When those three agree, the kingdom is being established. When they don’t, something is off. Kingdom living means trusting God enough to submit, not blindly, but biblically. Authority in the kingdom is never about control; it’s about care, accountability, and alignment with God’s will.

Esther’s story gives us a powerful picture of what it means to stand before a king. Before she ever entered the king’s presence, she underwent twelve months of preparation and purification. Oil. Cleansing. Separation. It wasn’t random; it was intentional. And it mattered!

While salvation is not earned through works, closeness with God requires consecration. There are levels of relationship within the kingdom. Everyone may be part of it, but not everyone walks in intimacy. Scripture shows us that the closer you get to God’s presence, the more preparation is required. Clean hands. Pure hearts. A life set apart.

Listen, throughout Scripture, anything God uses goes through a process. Wheat must be threshed. Grapes must be pressed. Olives must be crushed. Clay must be refined. None of it is comfortable, but all of it is necessary. God never bypasses process because process produces capacity.

Esther’s preparation wasn’t just for her benefit. Her obedience saved a nation. And the same principle applies today. When we submit to God’s process, when we live holy and set apart, it doesn’t just affect us. It affects our families, our churches, our communities. Kingdom positioning is never just personal, it’s purposeful.

Kingdom principles call us higher. They ask us to surrender preferences, pride, and control in exchange for righteousness, peace, and joy. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about posture. A heart that says, “Not my will, but Yours.” If your goal is simply to make heaven, thank God for salvation. But if your desire is to be used by God, to stand before the King with authority, clarity, and purpose, then preparation matters. Holiness matters. Submission matters. And the process, as painful as it can be, is worth it.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible privilege of being invited into Your kingdom, not as strangers or outsiders, but as sons and daughters who are loved, chosen, and called by You. Thank You for extending Your grace to us and for allowing us to live under Your righteous rule and loving authority. Help us, Lord, to seek You first in all things. Teach us to lay aside our own desires, opinions, and comforts so that Your will may take priority in our lives. Shape our hearts to desire what You desire, and give us the humility to submit to Your authority with trust, obedience, and faith, even when it challenges our flesh.

Cleanse our hearts, purify our hands, and refine our motives. Remove anything within us that does not align with Your kingdom purposes. Prepare us to stand before You with clean hands and pure hearts, ready and willing to be used for Your glory. Let our lives reflect Your righteousness, Your peace, and Your joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in us and through us - in our lives, our homes, our families, and our communities. Use us as vessels to bring honor to Your name and to advance Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We surrender ourselves fully to You, trusting You to lead, guide, and establish Your perfect will.

In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.