Around that same time, I came across survey data that felt deeply connected to that shift: non-Christians tended to view Jesus quite favorably—but did not hold the same view of His followers. The most common reason? A perceived lack of integrity. In simple terms: Christians say one thing, but live another.
It’s worth asking—how did we get here?
It likely wasn’t sudden. More often, these things happen gradually—small compromises over time, even across generations. But at some point, it does seem that, at least in the U.S., the broader expression of Christianity has drifted off course.
That’s a strong statement, so let me explain.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is called both King and Lord. In fact, the “Kingdom of Heaven” was the subject He taught on more than any other. Paul reinforces this in Colossians 1:13–14, reminding us that we’ve been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.
At its core, the Christian life is about belonging to a kingdom—and living under a King.
But I’m not sure many of us have really wrestled with what that means.
As Americans, we value independence and autonomy. We tend to respect authority only when we agree with it—and resist it when we don’t. Naturally, that shapes how we think about leadership. But it also means we may lack a clear framework for what it looks like to live under the authority of a true King.
Scripture’s intent with this language is straightforward: He commands, we obey. Our lives align with His will—not the other way around.
So here’s a question worth considering: how many of us could clearly articulate the will of our King?
The good news is that Scripture makes it clear. Across the Gospels and into Acts, Jesus consistently reveals His agenda. A powerful summary is found in Matthew 24:14:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Scholar George Eldon Ladd describes this as a complete picture of the Kingdom, containing three elements:
The Message: the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ victory over sin, Satan, and death
The Mission: proclaimed to all nations as a testimony to all peoples
The Motive: the end will come – eternity with God in Heaven
There’s much more to unpack there. But for now, I find myself pondering this question:
For those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus—are we truly living in submission to the clearly expressed will of our King? Or are we, perhaps subtly, still building our own kingdoms?
Are we pursuing His will—or just making room for our own?