With the moral state of mankind declining in our society today; crime in our cities are up, killing of another human is up, stress level in individuals is up, low self-esteem, respect for others (parents, pastors, leaders, teachers, co-workers, management, etc.) is down.
I read and hear Christians saying the following: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
But, are they doing what the Word of God is saying? The condition of mankind in the world today makes me think they are not doing as God says. This also reminds me of a story in the Bible.
“Then the men of Judah said to the Simeonites their brothers, ‘Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into yours'” Judges 1:3.
After the death of Joshua there arose a wicked king named Adoni-bezek that was creating havoc in the land. He prided himself in defeating his enemies and cutting off the big toes and thumbs of his enemies.
He had done this to seventy kings. Now, without Joshua to lead them, the people wondered how they were to defeat this wicked king. Until this time, every king had attempted to defeat Adoni-bezek themselves and had lost.
The Lord told them they were to join forces with the other tribes in order to defeat this wicked king. “When Judah attacked, the LORD gave the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek.
It was there that they found Adoni-Bezek and fought against him, putting to rout the Canaanites and Perizzites.
Adoni-Bezek fled, but they chased him and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.” Judges 1:4-6. The enemies of our cities can be defeated!
God is calling the Body of Christ together in cities to operate in unity together in order to defeat the wickedness in our cities. However, the key to victory is a willingness for churches, business leaders, and intercessors to work together as a unified army.
Jesus said, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23. God calls each of us individually and corporately to represent Christ to the world, but our independence, pride and individualism often prevent us from becoming unified in the purposes of Christ.
The business community and the Church must come together to bless the city with practical initiatives that benefit the city.
When unity takes place among leadership in the Body of Christ, and their decisions are made by reading and hearing from God and following His directions, Jesus responds by allowing the city to respond to Him. You will see more fruitful evangelism, favor among city leaders and an impact on the city you never thought possible.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” Isaiah 55:8-9.
God speaks to his children in many varied ways. God has said that his ways are not our ways. If left to our reasoning, we will fail to fully walk in the full counsel of God, which leads to poor decisions.
Thus, our goal is to avoid being deceived and to develop a listening ear that hears the voice of God with confidence. Our goal is to have such intimacy with God that we can walk in the full blessing of our decisions and to be assured they are not based on our own reasoning alone
I have to take off my hat in agreement with the point of this article. Sister Tarpley has done a good job in making this point…well said.
I would only add one thing. In the 12th paragraph, (“The business community and the Church must come together to bless the city with practical initiatives that benefit the city”) only two community institutions are mentioned. Our communities are made up of many more institutions than just those two. I mean what about the politicians, the unions, the various activists, the educators, etc.? I am sure you will agree that all community institutions need to be involved in an effort of the type that you are writing about.