“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).
There is so much practical wisdom in the Bible; it is a truly spiritual book, yet true spirituality plays out in real-time—it does no one any good if it is not practiced in everyones sphere of influence, be it large or small.
Here, the Lord’s people—in exile because of their rebellion and worship of other gods—are instructed to work for the good of the place to which they’ve been sent. They’re to make the best of the situation, to build houses, plant gardens, start families, and so forth. The prophet knows they’re going to be there a while, so they may as well settle in. Yet in doing so they are to not only look out for themselves, but the place to which they’ve been sent—even under the circumstances, even in the kingdom and under the rule of a ruthless king, the one God used to punish them, destroy their temple, and ravage their beloved city. As they seek the welfare of the place to which they’ve been sent, they in turn will benefit.
This is a lesson for those of us who are strangers in a foreign land, pilgrims on the path to everlasting life. This world is not our home; we are looking for a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Christians are not of this world, just as our Lord Himself has said (John 17). However, we are to seek the good of the place we live and pray for its welfare. This principle the apostle Paul picks up and passes on to Timothy. In chapter two of 1 Timothy he writes,
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority.”
Why? “That we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” In other words, pray for them that it may go well with you; in their benefit you will benefit.
Strangely, many if not most Christians have little to do with the communities in which they live. For sure, there are churches and para-church organizations that do a lot of good in their cities; they’ve food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and various outreach programs. But I know of only a few believers who are actually active in their community. For the most part we Christians leave it up to the ‘heathen’ to run our towns, our schools, our businesses and associations. And, as we are seeing presently, this isn’t working out too well.
I am not saying everyone needs to run for a political office, but what I believe God is saying is that if we want things to go well for us, if we want to live in peace and see our churches grow, if we want to see people saved and come to know the truth, then it is not going to happen by going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. We have to engage the world around us.
John Boles and Gina Johnsen are two people I know who have been politically active. Pastor Kevin volunteers his time mentoring at St. Vincent’s home for children. Shari Montgomery is in the process of developing a ministry to help women rescued from sex-trafficking. Len Hill, at 82 years old, is still hard at work serving those who are incarcerated. Beyond these, I am not aware of many others. And we wonder why our nation and cities are in decline.
As for me, I’m barely engaged in anything outside my own little realm. Yes, I run a business, and yes, I serve on Montgomery’s board. In the past I’ve served on other boards and have been active in various clubs and associations, even holding office at times, but not much now. To be honest, I hardly think of the community in which I live. I definitely don’t do anything to better it, and I rarely pray for it. I stand corrected by God.
What then can be done? I don’t feel called to political activism or to run for office—though this is definitely an option. Some things come to mind that could apply to any concerned (and I might add, obedient) Christian: attend city council, township, and/or school board meetings; contribute to and/or participate in those organizations that provide services or run ministries to those in need; better yet, run the organizations; participate in the political process by supporting godly candidates for office, writing letters or signing petitions; write letters to the editor or op-ed pieces for the local newspaper; initiate, support, and participate in church outreach or service programs. The list might be endless.
One such program I’m aware of is in the Detroit area, where a fried of mine, Jim Russell, Jr., in working with his church, started what was at first a small clinic, where a couple volunteer doctors served those needling health care. This has exploded throughout the metropolitan area, with multiple locations and considerable staff.
The one thing about Christians that ought be true is this: wherever they are should be getting better. As the salt of the earth we’re to make life palatable and stave off decay. We’re to be the light shining in the darkness. Instead of things dying off (speaking of the culture), they should be growing greener and more fruitful. From what I know of history, it is Christians and their influence that has brought the world stable families, good government, respect for life, private property, the arts and sciences, hospitals and healthcare, higher education, and the like. Indeed, we have made the world a better place. And this is our responsibility. Now is not a time to let up.