Most all of us have had the experience of flying in an airplane and are familiar with the safety routine that the flight attendants go through before each flight.  We are instructed on how to fasten our seat belts, wear our oxygen masks if the plane loses altitude, and use our seat cushions as floating devices if ever we find ourselves in an emergency.  

By nature, I am an optimist rather than a pessimist – and although airplane safety is always a noble pursuit, I wonder how practical these tips really are.  After all, if the plane loses power at 20,000 feet, knowing how to use your seat cushion as a floating device probably isn’t going to be all that useful. But this situation speaks to a fundamental truth about being human:  that is, we all have our fears and uncertainties.  

As humans we can be anxious and fearful – so much so, that our anxiety and fear keep us locked in one place.  But Jesus reassures us that He is the Lord of heaven and earth, and He will be faithful to his promises for his faithful people. He calls us, each in our own way, to help build the Kingdom of Heaven – the Kingdom of God.  

The Kingdom of God isn’t only something in the future, but the Kingdom of God is also right here, right now in our present age.   We are living in the Kingdom of God, and together we must do our part to build it, without growing complacent, or anxious, or fearful. A simple question to ponder as we go about our daily lives, is to ask ourselves:

How many hungry or thirsty have we helped?  How many in need have we served?  How many people have we clothed?  How many prisons have we visited lately? How many sick or lonely people have we comforted or how often have we taken the time to truly listen to someone who is troubled?  How many grudges have we worked to overcome or let go? 

It is only after we live and love as Jesus calls us to love, that we can be builders of the Kingdom!  May we never let fear immobilize us, may we live lives of loving service, and may we always be strengthened in hope by the promises of Christ.