The Kingdom of “Let Them”
The “Let them” concept/phrase has become the newest rage of today. Mel Robbins’ concept supports letting others be responsible for their actions, while focusing on one’s own actions. While this appears as a new concept, there were “let thems” before this. “Let thems” that led to the Kingdom.
The First “Let Them”
Picture it: Garden of Eden, after day seven (not Sicily this time!). God created Adam and Eve placing them in the garden that flourished with life. His main request: “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). But he did not “force” them to not eat of it. He did not create robots. He gave them autonomy and “let them” make their decisions.
As the story goes, Eve took a bite and passed that apple to Adam to do the same. God did not dictate their moves; he did not force their love or obedience; he allowed them choice. Unfortunately, the enemy is good at what he does and twisted the truth enough to create doubt of God’s words, and their choice led them to experience their own emotions and consequence of their actions.
While this is the first “Let them,” there are many more. Some led to more experiences like Adam and Eve’s, but I have observed in Scripture that some have led to great moments in the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom of “Let them”
Jesus’ life on earth was full of “let them.” Whether his words and actions were toward the Pharisees or to empower the woman at the well, Jesus let people have choice: choice to follow him or not; choice to experience him or not.
In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Jesus often “let them.” When he spoke, he told those listening “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 13:43). But he did not demand they listen or act in obedience. It was up to those listening to make that decision to follow him.
Jesus also said of the children reaching for him “Let them come to me” (Matthew 19:14). In their innocence they had a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. They chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him. Additionally, Jesus gave the choice to follow him to many, and some chose not to follow him: the rich young ruler (Luke 18:22-24), the Pharisees and Sadducees, even Jesus’ own brothers (John 7:5). While Jesus respected their decision, he never stopped offering the opportunity for them to know him.
Reading the last verse of John, John 21:25, John so beautifully states, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” AMEN! And the disciples continued the opportunity to let others know the Savior who conquered death and hell!
Within the book of Acts opens a whole new world of “Let them.” As the disciples continue to spread the message of Jesus, thousands are added to the kingdom. The Sadducees became worried seeing the power of Jesus continue. They cornered Peter and John, who communicated in their own way “Let them”: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Let the Sadducees and rulers be mad; let the elders and teachers be skeptical. But, above all else, let the people hear the good news of Christ; let the Holy Spirit fall; and five thousand were added to the kingdom that day!
Today’s “Let Them”
We will experience disappointment, heartache, rejection, and more. And people will be watching. Let them. Let them see the good news in us. Let them see that the peace of Christ exists even in our most difficult days. Let them hear and witness the power of Christ as we live out the fruits of the spirit.
While people are watching us and how we live out what we proclaim, this does not mean we are to be superhumans. We are going to have good days and bad days. We are going to have moments of sadness, anger, and any other emotion. We are allowed to be human. However, in our humanity, let them see how Christ works out those moments in us (Philippians 1:27). Let them know the forgiveness, grace, truth, and mercy of Christ we experience in those moments.
Final Thoughts
I could live my whole life chasing dreams that make no difference to the kingdom. I could “let them” see a lot of things that I desire but may not have purpose. I long to live a Matthew 6:33 life, “Seek first his kingdom…” Let others see in me this desire, this purpose. Let them know that there is a kingdom beyond what we have here. May we let them know the hope and love of Christ. May we let them see Jesus.