Imagine

Embracing the Kingdom of God Today: Living Out Love and Peace

In a recent episode of Heart of the Matter, host Shawn McCraney delves into the concept of living a Christian life in the present, rather than waiting for a future experience of heaven. He reflects on the popular song “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, expressing his discomfort with its portrayal of believers waiting to experience Jesus in the afterlife. Instead, McCraney emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is already within us, and we can experience His presence now.

He challenges listeners to consider what life with Christ looks like today, rather than imagining a distant future filled with worship and dancing. Drawing parallels with John Lennon’s song “Imagine,” he encourages believers to envision a world of peace, love, and unity, rather than division and conflict. McCraney argues that if heaven is characterized by peace and love, Christians should strive to embody those qualities in their lives now.

The discussion also touches on the experiment of CAMPUS church, which aims to create an inclusive environment where diverse beliefs can coexist. While the initiative has seen some success in fostering a welcoming community, McCraney notes that many people still seek the structure and dogma often found in traditional religious settings. He concludes by urging believers to focus on being peacemakers and to work towards a more harmonious expression of faith, rather than waiting for a future promise.

Ultimately, McCraney invites his audience to imagine what a better Christian experience could look like today, encouraging them to engage in meaningful dialogue and community building. He emphasizes that true discipleship involves living out the principles of love and peace in the present, rather than deferring those experiences to an imagined future.