Jeremiah’s counsel is amazingly relevant to American Christians today

In the 6th century BC, Jeremiah’s inspired advice to the captured Israelites exiled to Babylon encouraged them to: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

It’s truly amazing how relevant the prophet’s counsel is for us who live in a culture much like that of ancient Babylon. For those Jews in exile, public life was governed by laws contrary to their beliefs, promiscuity and perversion were the norm, and many of their values were simply not tolerated. To be sure, for Christians living out their faith in America, the cultural tide has turned against us, and to a great degree we are now exiles in a foreign land.

Weekly, we hear reports of opposition to Christian doctrine and practice. Our values are frequently mocked in the entertainment media. On many college campuses Christian groups are denied access to meeting places, public schools are becoming increasingly intolerant of views contrary to Darwinian evolution, and a number of Christian universities find themselves in conflict with their accrediting agencies. There is growing hostility toward those who hold to the historic Christian faith.

Our response to this unfriendly world is twofold; following Jeremiah’s advice we should:

• 1. “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city” and
• 2. “Pray to the Lord for it.”

Peter echoes these words when he says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12) The Apostle Paul further exhorts prayer for those in authority over us so that “we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:2)

Those who are citizens of heaven should be the best citizens in this world. As exiles, we need to examine our own lives to determine if we’re exerting more of an influence on the world than it is exerting on us.

Spiritually, today’s world is remarkably similar to that into which the gospel first came. And into that world God called forth a people for his name; poured out his Spirit on them, and sent them into the world to live godly lives and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Those who are citizens of heaven should be the best citizens in this world. As exiles, we need to examine our own lives to determine if we’re exerting more of an influence on the world than it is exerting on us. The first century church impacted the entire Roman Empire and turned it upside down through the gospel of Christ. By the grace of God may it become true in our day.