Seeking Welfare of Our City Means Rolling Up Our Sleeves, Not Folding Our Arms

 
Photo by Jym Wilson in the Springfield Daily Citizen


There’s a verse tucked away in Jeremiah that feels especially timely for the world we’re living in today. The prophet writes, “But 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.” That line was spoken to people who felt displaced, frustrated, and far from home. In other words, to people a lot like us.

The Israelites weren’t exactly thrilled about Babylon. It wasn’t where they wanted to be, and it certainly wasn’t what they had planned. Yet God didn’t tell them to withdraw, complain endlessly, or sit on the sidelines waiting for things to improve. Instead, He told them to get involved. Plant gardens. Build homes. Pray for the city. Care about the place you’re in, even if it’s not the place you’d choose.

That message still rings true. It’s easy these days to criticize our communities—from school boards to city councils, from neighborhoods to nations. We shake our heads at the news, vent online, and sometimes retreat into our own corners. But Jeremiah’s words challenge that instinct. Seeking the welfare of our city means rolling up our sleeves, not folding our arms.

Community involvement isn’t just about volunteering once a year or showing up when it’s convenient. It’s about paying attention. It’s about knowing your neighbors’ names, supporting local businesses, voting thoughtfully, mentoring a kid, checking in on the elderly down the street. It’s about praying—not as a last resort, but as a steady practice—for the places and people we share life with.

What’s striking about this verse is the promise attached to it: “for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” That’s not just poetic language; it’s practical truth. When a community thrives, individuals tend to thrive too. Safer streets, stronger schools, healthier relationships—these things don’t happen in isolation. They grow when people invest, care, and commit.

Even if you feel like an outsider. Even if you’re disappointed with how things are going. Even if you’re tired.

Jeremiah reminds us that faith isn’t meant to be lived out in private bubbles. It’s lived in real places, among real people, with all their mess and promise. Seeking the good of our city isn’t naïve optimism—it’s faithful obedience. And in ways both seen and unseen, when we show up for our communities, we often discover that God is quietly showing up for us too.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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