In Luke 13:18-21 Jesus gives two parables about what the kingdom of God is like. If you read the Gospels, you know Jesus' mission is to usher in the kingdom of God here on this earth. He calls people to Himself and into the kingdom. If we know Him, we are a part of the kingdom of God and ambassadors in His kingdom.
Jesus' parable in this verse speaks about the kingdom being like a mustard seed that is planted and grows into a big tree. He also speaks of it as leaven that a woman needs into the flour. In both, Jesus is representing the expanding nature of the kingdom. The tiny seed expanded into the great tree. The leaven worked its way throughout the entire dough and causes it to rise. The natural tendency of the kingdom of God is to expand through God's work done through His servants.
How are you being used now to be a conduit for the expansion of the kingdom? Are we representing Christ and the kingdom in a way that it will expand or by not giving it much thought, are we hindering the kingdom's growth?
As I think about these questions for me I think about how difficult and messy life can be. People are hurting and hardened and hungry for genuineness. We are very good with Christian quips and phrases and cheap words that we think will allow us to be a witness, but we never get into the fray where people are hurting and lost and needy and dying. Jesus lived with the people hurting the most. He walked among those in the muck and the mire of life and He offered them new life, He offered them he kingdom. Are we willing to go beyond the cute and pithy sayings, the email chains, and the cute bumper stickers to offer the Kingdom to those who need it most? How could you be used to expand the kingdom?
To be used to expand it, you must be living in the kingdom daily. When I'm not experiencing the kingdom, its hard to lead someone to follow
Brad