Depending on how influential a leader is (or leaders are), then how that leader leads, strongly reflects in the culture and philosophy of the nation/kingdom he/she leads. Consider the difference between the cultures of a nation like North Korea and the influence of the leader(s) of that nation to, South Korea, where, despite them being the same people ethnically and speaking the same language, their cultures and philosophies could not be more different.
In the Bible we also learn of two very different kingdoms. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Paul speaks of this in Colossians 1:13 when he says: For he [Jesus] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. [previously in verse 12 referred to as the kingdom of light.]
In other words, the Colossian believers were no longer under the authority, rule or sovereign power of the evil one, but rather under the dominion of King Jesus, the One who defeated evil, sin and death when he died and rose again.
So, what are the characteristics of the kingdom of God?
The psalmist in Psalm 145 gives us a just few examples (there is so much more) in a brief vision of the One who rules this kingdom which reveals what His kingdom is all about. He says:
Because,
13 … The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.
So, His kingdom is one based on trust and faith and love and ruled by One whose word is totally dependable.
Because,
14 The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
So, His kingdom is one based on care and concern for the vulnerable and broken.
Because,
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
So, His kingdom is one where the Lord meets all the needs of his people – those that recognize their complete dependence on their Creator and King.
Because,
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
So, His kingdom is based on truth and righteousness and justice and dependability.
Because,
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
So, His kingdom is one where He is approachable under all circumstances for those who come in complete trust in him (Hebrews 4:16).
Because,
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
So, His kingdom (for those who love Him) is a place of fulfillment, peace and security in his presence.
Because,
20 … all the wicked he will destroy.
So, his kingdom is only for those who love him and who fear him.
And, from earlier verses we recall that his kingdom is a place of 12… glorious splendor,and that His
13 … kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and [His] dominion endures through all generations.
In summary:
“The overriding cultural characteristic of the kingdom of God is love. Because God is love, His kingdom is love. In fact, the kingdom of God is an extension of his person and character. So, when we enter the kingdom of God, we embrace his personal character. It is here we experience his love.” (J. Laughlin, Jesus and the Kingdom of God)
And because of all that Jesus accomplished on that first Easter, we are able to enter this wonderful kingdom of God, this kingdom of love. Consider the following verse from Hebrews:
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Part of that joy which enabled him to endure was the knowledge that because of his death, you and I could enter into His kingdom. Hallelujah.
And so, the psalmist brings his wonderful psalm of praise to a fitting end with the words:
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever. Amen.
Worship and Wisdom - Psalms and Proverbs 