I have just finished Tim Keller’s wonderful book The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. With all our nation is facing it could not be a more timely read. Even though the book of Jonah is only four chapters long, Keller takes us on a journey of God dealing with this Old Testament prophet on issues like race, nationalism, obedience, self-image, fear of death, trusting God and much more. The predominant theme, however, is our understanding of God’s grace and its impact on how we deal with others.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 says, ““Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 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. But 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.“
So the question begs, how do you seek the welfare of your city, the one where God has strategically placed you? Keller offers 8 Qualities Of A Healthy And Prosperous City And Community in his book:
- A safe environment rather than a community that is plagued by crime or health hazards.
- Economic prosperity and humane workplaces rather than a community with few jobs where poverty is rampant.
- A state of peace rather than one marked by violence between individuals, races, groups, or nations.
- A just social order rather than one marked by corruption and by a justice system weighted against the weak and poor.
- Publicly available resources such as good educational institutions, medical services, parks, and recreation.
- Social harmony and civility in which people from different races, cultures, and moral frameworks relate to one another with respect.
- A community committed to caring for the weak, the elderly, the chronically ill, single parents and orphans, immigrants, and the poor.
- A government that works on behalf of all citizens, not just the rich and powerful.
You seek the welfare of your city by working toward these things. Which one can you impact the most today
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