By Jeff Brink, October 15, 2024

The prophet Jerimiah wrote a letter to the Israelites who had been taken captive by the Babylonians and were living in exile far from Jeruselum. Through Jeremiah, God provided details about their circumstances, how long they would be in exile, and instructions on how they should live – “Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray the LORD on its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity” (Jeremiah 29:7).

This came along with the promise that God would bring them home.  This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

As Christians, since we are in this world but not of this world, we are also in exile regardless of what earthly city we currently live and work in. Our home is heaven in the kingdom of God. We are God’s people living in enemy territory.

Like the Israelites, God has intentionally exiled us in our jobs, cities, and spheres of influence. He wants us to heed the same instructions given through Jeremiah –  our prosperity is found when we help others around us (our city) prosper. 

This call to civic responsibility twenty-six hundred years ago is valid today. We are called to work toward the prosperity of the entire community, not merely for our own limited interests. Like the Jews of Jeremiah’s day, we are far from perfect. We may even be suffering for our faithlessness and corruption. Nonetheless, we are called and equipped to bless the communities we live and work in.

The work of Christians in their faithfulness to God is intended for the good of everyone, beginning with those who are not God’s people and extending through them to God’s people themselves. Successful business leaders understand that product development, marketing, sales, and customer support are effective when they put the customer first. Perhaps the most profound economic principle in Jeremiah’s book is that working for the good of others is the only reliable way to work for your own good.

So, true prosperity is about loving, helping, and elevating those around us – the coworkers, connections, and strangers – that God places in our paths in whatever city we are currently exiled in. 

Who in your network can you help today?
Where can you extend the love of Jesus within your city today?
How about volunteering for a Bless The City Initiative or similar organization?