“By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.”
– Proverbs 11:11
Scripture frequently teaches us that God’s people are to bless the community, city, and nation in which they live. Nonetheless, it can be easy to forget that lesson as we get focused on church activities, family life, and the responsibilities and burdens of work. It can also be easy to forget our role as we grow frustrated with the brokenness and sinfulness of the culture and community surrounding us.
Nonetheless, for those who serve our Sovereign God, we know that our addresses are no accident! We’ve been placed here to love, serve, and heal the brokenness and suffering that surrounds us. This is what it means to be salt and light as Jesus commanded. Salt preserves and gives flavor. Light illuminates darkness. We live in a dark and decaying world, in communities with places of sorrow and suffering, whether hidden or visible. Through Christ, we can offer light, hope, healing, and renewal. That isn’t just a spiritual task, but is a call to practical, Spirit-driven service in the dark places near us.
Our city, state, and nation ultimately won’t be healed by those opposed to God. Rather, the people of God must assume their responsibility to bless, to help, to heal, and to lift up our city. For some, that looks like being elected or appointed to leadership roles. May God bless and strengthen them, using them to bless their city and land. However, our call to bless doesn’t usually imply assuming any role of authority. Scripture quite often calls and depicts God’s people blessing their city from lowly and even humiliating roles of service. Wherever you are, and whatever role God had called you to, may you be faithful in serving and blessing those around you, that God may receive the glory!