Utopia

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”—John 3:5–6 NIV

Imagine a world without problems—a perfect world. Many have dreamed of such a world. Thomas More was one of those people.

Born in 1478, More became a leader in the government of England. As lord chancellor, he resigned because he opposed King Henry VIII’s plan to annul his marriage to Queen Catherine of Aragon. In 1535, More was beheaded after refusing to acknowledge Henry as head of the Church of England (which Henry established).

More demonstrated his interest in an ideal world in 1516 by writing a treatise called Utopia. The title was a word he invented, which meant nonexistent place. For him, utopia was an ideal society, where there was justice and equality for all.

More never found that utopia; neither has anyone else. The Bible says that there is no perfect place here on earth. None of our human efforts can make us right with God or bring us perfect joy, peace, and fulfillment. We all need God in our lives.

Jesus said we cannot depend on our flesh, because “flesh gives birth to flesh.” We cannot enter God’s Kingdom until we are “born of water and the Spirit.” We need the Spirit of God, for only “the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

Remember to place your faith in God. Focus on His Kingdom. Surrender to His Spirit. Seek to be His servant. Seek first His Kingdom.

Reflection Question: In what area of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit’s touch?