Finding the Center of God’s Kingdom: Understanding Jesus as the Core
You don’t build your life around Jesus—you build it on Jesus.
Many people search for signs, boundaries, and markers of God’s Kingdom as if it’s something external to be located. But the truth is, the Kingdom of God isn’t a geographical territory or a political movement—it’s a spiritual reality with one defining center: Jesus Christ.
This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on January 26, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.
The question is: What does it mean to center your life on Jesus, and how do we avoid the things that pull us away?
What Is at the Center of God’s Kingdom?
Every Kingdom has a center of power—a throne, a ruler, or a governing authority. The Kingdom of God is not centered on a place, an idea, or a religious system—it is centered on a King.
- Jesus is the unshakable foundation of God’s Kingdom.
- Jesus is the eternal ruler who will never be replaced.
- Jesus is not just a part of the Kingdom—He is the Kingdom.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) says, “Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.”
Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s Kingdom endures forever. Why? Because it centers on the only eternal foundation. When we grasp this, we realize that the Kingdom of God isn’t just a concept—it is a living reality within every believer who has surrendered to Christ. If Jesus isn’t at the center, your life is off balance.
Why Do We Struggle to Keep Jesus at the Center?
We are pulled in different directions daily by competing kingdoms that demand our loyalty. Some are obvious; others are more subtle.
- Political kingdoms pressure us to place our hope in governments, policies, and leaders instead of Christ.
- Cultural kingdoms—social media, entertainment, sports, and personal ambitions—often consume more of our time and energy than God’s Word.
- Personal kingdoms make us want to be our own ruler, where we make the rules and control the outcomes.
Many people want Jesus in their life—but they don’t want Him on the throne. The danger is that we try to make Jesus revolve around our lives rather than centering our lives on Him. We say:
- “I’ll surrender as long as I get to keep control.”
- “I’ll obey as long as it aligns with what I already want.”
- “I’ll follow Jesus, but only when it’s convenient.”
This self-focused faith leads to conditional surrender, which looks for personal benefits instead of Kingdom transformation. In reality, Jesus doesn’t revolve around your life—you revolve around Him.
How Does Christ Live In and Through Us?
The powerful truth is that the Kingdom of God isn’t achieved—it’s received. You don’t work your way into it—you are born into it. Colossians 3:3 (NLT) says, “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” When you receive Christ:
- Now, your identity is found in Him.
- Now, your purpose is driven by His mission.
- Now, your life is a reflection of His rule.
The Kingdom is not about adding Jesus to your life—it’s about letting Jesus become your life. The Kingdom isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you receive.
What Prevents Us from Centering on Jesus?
Powerful forces are working to pull us away from Jesus as our center. The Bible warns us about these obstacles:
- Cultural narratives that reject absolute truth—We live in a world that says, “Create your own truth.” But Jesus didn’t say, “I am a truth.” He said, “I am THE truth.” (John 14:6)
- The spirit of Antichrist that opposes Christ’s expression on earth—The Bible teaches that the spirit of the Antichrist works to diminish Jesus’ authority and replace it with self-rule and false ideologies. (1 John 4:3)
- Distractions from competing “truths” and rival kings—Everything from social media to success culture tries to pull us away from our Kingdom focus.
- Division among believers through discord and distrust—The enemy thrives in division. When the Church is distracted by infighting, it loses its Kingdom effectiveness. (John 17:21)
The biggest threat to your faith is not always a significant crisis—it is often a slow drift away from Jesus as your center. Distractions don’t have to destroy you—they have to derail you.
How Can We Represent God’s Kingdom?
The Kingdom of God isn’t just for you—it is meant to be displayed through you. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) says, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us.”
As Kingdom citizens, we are called to:
- Represent Jesus well in how we talk, live, and love others.
- Reflect His character through humility, grace, and boldness.
- Advance His mission by making disciples and spreading the Gospel.
You are not just a citizen of the Kingdom—you are its billboard.
Life Application: How to Keep Jesus at the Center
This week, take an honest look at your life and ask:
- What competing “kingdoms” are taking priority?
- Am I trying to make Jesus revolve around my life, or am I surrendering to Him?
- How can I better represent Christ as His ambassador in my daily interactions?
Choose one area where you’ve maintained control and intentionally surrender it to Christ’s authority. This might be:
- Your schedule—Prioritizing time with God over distractions.
- Your relationships—Surrendering bitterness, unforgiveness, or control.
- Your career decisions—Trusting God’s direction over personal ambition.
- Your habits—Letting go of anything pulling you away from Christ.
Write down specific ways to demonstrate that Jesus—not your preferences—is central to this area of your life.
Surrender isn’t about losing control—it’s about giving it to the One who knows best.
Final Thought: The Kingdom is in Jesus, and Jesus is in You
The Kingdom of God isn’t just near—it is here. And Jesus isn’t just a part of your life—He is the source of it.
When you align your life with this truth, you tap into the power, peace, and joy of living under God’s rule with Christ at the center.
Jesus at the center isn’t just a saying-it’s a lifestyle. The Kingdom of God is already victorious. The question is: Are you living with Jesus at the center of your life?