Seek The Welfare of The City

In Jeremiah 29, the Lord speaking through the Prophet gives them instructions as they are living in Babylon in exile as judgment for their rebellion against God. He tells them to build houses to live in them (vs. 5) as well plant gardens. He tells the men to, "Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease" (Jeremiah 29:6). In verse 7, the Lord told His people to "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 find your welfare."

In all the Israelites have endured, God is telling them not to rebel, but to seek the good of the city. Pray for it and live in it. How does this apply to the 21st century Christian?

In his first epistle, the Apostle Peter addresses his readers as "elect exiles" (1 Peter 1:1). Peter is not referring to a literal exile as were the Israelites in the Old Testament. Philippians 3:20 says we are citizens of heaven as we long for the appearing of our Savior. Believers in Christ are exiled here on earth because we do not belong here. We are not misplaced Christians, we are people have been redeemed and called to live apart from the worldly system that is against God.

While this world, including the cities we live in, will never be our home, we need to do the same thing the Lord commanded the Israelites while in exile and that is to seek the welfare of the city. How does a Christian seek the welfare of the city? Here are some practical ways that we can seek our city's welfare.

1. Pray

As the Lord told the Israelites to pray for the city, we should do the same. What should we pray for? Pray for its leaders. Pray for the law enforcement and fire fighters. I know for me, when I see an ambulance, I pray that will heal whoever is injured or whatever the reason for that person is dealing with. Most of all, pray for the gospel to rush in the city like a mighty roaring stream.

2. Rejoice

In our city, we have over 100,000 people. Businesses come and go. When a new business seeks you city to expand, rejoice because that means jobs are available. In our city, we have had a severe drought that almost took out our water supply. People have prayed for rain and this past May, the Lord opened the floodgates and our lakes became full. More rain has come since and our lakes are over 90% capacity. Our church rejoiced along with the entire city.

3. Get involved.

This can come in many forms. Coaching a soccer team, being a member of a club, serving as member of a board of directors for a business, or even running for public office. Of course, this does vary from city to city no matter the size. Christians have always been accused of hiding in their holy huddles with no involvement in the community. That is not seeking the welfare of the city.

For churches, this would be getting out and about in different city events. Yes, you have to be discerning because not all city events should have a church's stamp and approval. Serving hot chocolate at a Christmas parade, if it is cold enough, is one great idea for this time of year. In our city we have what is called, P.I.E., which stands for Partners In Education. Many churches in our city are, what is called, PIE Partners (I know it sounds redundant). What they do is help out with school events or tutoring kids after school.

4. Love your neighbors.

Jesus told us the second greatest commandment is love you neighbor as yourself. Yes, even those who maybe at times unlovable or annoying like the one who has a workshop in the backyard. We need to love those around us in our neighborhood even when they don't anything to do with you not because you are a Christian, but they want their privacy. Loving your neighbors meets being involved in your community. If you see a neighbor in need, do you have the means to help? Seek ways to get to know your neighbors. Have a prayer walk for in your neighborhood.

God told the Israelites to seek the welfare of the city while they are in exile. Since we, as Christians, are elect exiles, we too must seek the welfare of our cities. We won't live in them forever because our eternal home is waiting for us.