3 Ways to Cultivate a Kingdom Mindset

First off let me say this...building a business is not for the faint of heart more so a Kingdom business. When God called me into business He made it clear to me that this was not just about provision - it was PURPOSE. In other words, my business was ministry and that included every facet thereof. I mean, as if building a business from scratch (no blueprint) wasn't challenging enough. But, I am intentional about being obedient to my Father, so I listened, trusted and obeyed. This however took a shift in mindset. I had to cultivate a Kingdom Mindset in order to accomplish what Daddy Ya (as I fondly refer to Him) wanted. At this point you're probably wondering what is a Kingdom Mindset and how can this be cultivated - I'll tell you...

So, most people start a business and the goal is to make a profit. Right? Well, although that was still the goal, it became a secondary matter. A Kingdom mindset is rooted in the bible verse found in Matthew 6:33 which says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". This meant that I could not run my operations much like many other entrepreneurs would. In ALL things I had to seek God and everything had to be about bringing Him glory. In many instances making a profit was not the focus but reaching someone was. Just recently in fact I was instructed not to keep any of the profits made on a venture undertaken. Thus, a Kingdom Mindset ultimately involves embodying your Kingdom identity in every sense of the term and showing up as that always.

Here are 3 ways that you can cultivate your Kingdom Mindset:

1. Intimacy with God: It says in Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". Although this scripture can be used to support both this point and point #2 I chose it because it reflects the way to ascertain the will of God. In order to know the heart of our Father ie His will, we must be transformed and this transformation starts with the renewal of our minds. Our minds can only be renewed however by spending time (quality time) with the one who created us. Developing an intimate relationship with God brings us into alignment with His will for our lives and thus our business. We foster our relationship with God by spending time studying His word, through worship and meditation and by praying and fasting. This deepened intimacy allows us to trust God more and understand His intentions towards us making it easier to submit to His will.

   
   

2. Separate from Culture: Now this requires a depth of discipline and a bunch of boundaries that must be enforced. Many of us try to fit into the mold set for us by culture but Kingdom citizens are not meant to live by worldly standards. In fact, John 15:19 (KJV) speaks to us being chosen out of the world and that because of that we should be hated by the world. How many of us feel hated by the world? If we are being or have been accepted by the world then maybe we have not yet figured out separation as yet. A Kingdom mindset requires our sole focus to be on the will of our Father in business and otherwise and functioning in God's will, will upset some people, even church goers - because as we should know by now, not every one in church is a Kingdom Citizen (Disciple of God) and not everyone will understand why you are called to function the way you were called to. A Kingdom mindset requires us to take a stance for the Kingdom of God and that will look like us separating from certain things, habits, behaviours, patterns and people.

   
   

3. Finding a Community: This one might seem a bit misplaced but a Kingdom Mindset is cultivated largely in part by who we are exposed to. For it is much easier to believe that a certain way of living is possible if we are exposed to people who are living the life that we desire to live. As such, finding a community built on Godly principles and standards that encourages accountability can be helpful. Being surrounded by sound counsel - people who share the same beliefs and values as it pertains to Kingdom living is a blessing in itself. Trust me I am speaking from experience! In 1 Peter 2:9 it speaks to us being a Holy Nation...emphasis on nation! We were not meant or made to do life alone, so find your nation (one person at a time) and when you finally cultivate your Kingdom Mindset help others do the same. The community you join or build must be in alignment with God's word and will - there must be oneness.