#7 – On the power of one
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:21
The Old Testament
Why I like this.
This portion of a letter sent from the Old Testament prophet to those in exile under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon struck me as good advice to anyone who is in a circumstance not of their own choosing. Jeremiah is telling them to make the best of it.
Before this, he has told them that they’re going to be in Babylon for 70 years, so they might as well build houses and plant gardens. Now he tells them to do what’s best for those around them. Rather than sitting around bemoaning their fate, they should do what it takes to serve the community.
When we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control – whether it is a geographical location, a profession, a social situation, a family predicament – or an aging body – the best thing to do is not to withdraw or to bellyache but to pitch in and do what we can for the welfare of everyone. In doing so, our circumstances will also improve.
This goes so well with today’s “Enthusiastic Ideas” blog by Gary Henry, about making the best of your position in regard to subordination. Whether you’re the leader or the subordinate, you make life more pleasant for those “above” and “below.” Think how well the world would work if this was universally put into practice. It’s actually at the heart of a good marriage relationship.
Love your thinking on this one.
Thanks, Yvonne. I really enjoy finding nuggets like that while reading. Who would have thought you’d find such practical socioeconomic advice in the book of Jeremiah?