Welfare

Jeremiah writes to the Israelites who are in exile in Babylon. Prosper here, marry your children off, “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). If the city prospers then you will prosper.
Then I must ask myself, am I concerned about the welfare of my city? Or am I just concerned about my own welfare, my situation, my surroundings. Is my church concerned about the city or just the people within the walls? Are people just going to magically show up on our doorstep? Maybe. but probably not. What if we went out? What if the church helped people “go out” instead of just saying “go!” What can we do to reach our city? What can I do to reach my city? How can I help others “go!” How can I go?

I was surprised when I heard that Sodom and Gomorrah weren’t destroyed because of their sexual perversions. However, according to Ezekiel 16:49 “the guilt of Sodom was that the people had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” Is that us? Is that me? Do I live in abundance yet neglect the needy around me. If we are at war then why do I surround myself with elegance as if we aren’t at war (John Piper)? Can I “live more simply so others can simply live” (Gandhi)? Am I complacent? Am I too comfortable?

As a church member, as a youth leader, as a wife and mother, as a Christian, how can I organize my life so that my life makes a difference in the Kingdom of God? How can I use my time and energy to engage the poor and needy for the glory of God? What can I do? Who can I be? Lord, by your grace and mercy guide my feet with purpose and my heart with a passion for the welfare of McKinney/Dallas.