Commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness are all prerequisites for authority in any realm, and they are required for authority in the kingdom. Only those whose commitment to the kingdom is greater than their commitment to this world will be trusted with kingdom authority over this world.

          True commitment is more than an emotion or a promise—it is demonstrated by how we conduct our lives. Could we say that we are devoted more to the kingdom than to this world? II Corinthians 13:5 says to “test yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” There are evaluations like the following that we should do regularly:

• Is Christ our first love?

• Is our love for Him growing?

• Are we growing in the knowledge of His ways?

• Are we controlled by our love for Him, making all major decision based on the interests of the kingdom and not our own desires?

• Is there anything in our lives that could be an idol, characterized by us not being willing to give it up if required by His service?

• Are we living the life of a disciple, seeking above all things to know our Master, to be like Him, and to do His will?

          There is no greater affront to a relationship than indifference. This is why the Lord said that He would rather us be hot or cold, but the lukewarm He will spew out of His mouth (see Revelation 3:15-16). How could anyone truly know Almighty God, the All-Consuming Fire, and not be on fire for Him? Would anyone choose to serve a king keep their job long if they were not devoted to the highest standards of excellence? How could we who have been chosen to serve the King of kings be lackadaisical about our service to Him?

          We should have the highest devotion to Him because of Who He is. We should then have the highest devotion to Him because of all that He has done for us. If these do not compel us, then we should have the highest standards of devotion for Him because of the abundant biblical warnings about the consequences of those who treat Him casually. We are entering the times when no one will make it who has not built their house solidly on the Rock.

          Truly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and it is a foundation that true wisdom will be built on, but we do need to build on it with love for Him. He deserves better. He deserves a bride that is so in love with Him that the primary devotion of our lives is being ready for Him. He will have such a bride. Will we be a part of this ultimate purpose? Will we give ourselves to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?