Loving God’s Kingdom

“If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” – Psalm 137:5-6 NASB

Timothy Dwight became influential in early American history, uniquely demonstrating both intellectual aptitude and spiritual maturity. Born on this day in 1752, he graduated from Yale College when just seventeen. After serving as a chaplain in the American Revolutionary War, he became a minister, farmer, and state legislature.

After a time on the faculty at Yale, he later became its president. While raising academic standards, he also brought a spiritual emphasis that helped spark a revival at colleges throughout America.

Dwight demonstrated his priorities in a hymn he wrote called “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.” He described how much he loved God’s Kingdom and how the church was “saved with His own precious blood.” To Dwight, God’s Kingdom was his highest joy, and Jesus was a “Friend divine” who would deliver him from every foe and free him from every snare.

This hymn had a profound impact on the country’s spiritual life, stirring millions to focus on God’s Kingdom. Many people attend church and say that they are Christians, but do they really love God?

Many people have lives dominated by possession and by the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Rather than dedicating their resources to God, they spend on themselves.

Can you say that you love God’s Kingdom? Do you love Him more than anything or anyone else in the world?

Reflection Question: Reflect on the ways you show how you value God’s Kingdom.