Building A Better Community Together

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

7 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.

Introduction:

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. Today we gather not only to honor the values that have shaped this great nation but also to reflect on our roles as citizens of the Kingdom of God and as citizens of this country. As we celebrate Americanism Day, we must remember that our calling goes beyond patriotic sentiment. We are called to contribute to the well-being of the places where God has planted us.

In Jeremiah 29, we find the people of Israel in exile, in a place that was not their home. They were strangers in Babylon, feeling disoriented, disconnected, and distant from their promised land. Yet, God did not call them to withdraw from society or to passively wait for their return to Israel. Instead, God gave them a powerful command: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile.”

This verse provides us with profound wisdom for how we should live today. Whether we are living in peace or uncertainty, whether we feel at home or in unfamiliar territory, God calls us to actively seek the good of our communities, to live in unity, and to trust in His plan for the future.

Transition: Here is the first principle

Invest in Your Community’s Well-being

Jeremiah 29:7 – "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile."

Context: The Israelites were in exile—displaced, unsure of their future, and likely resistant to integrating into the culture around them. But God’s instruction was clear: despite their temporary stay in Babylon, they were to contribute to the city’s welfare. They were not to live in isolation or resentment, but to be active participants in the prosperity of their community.

Illustration: Imagine this: You move to a new city for a job. You don't know anyone, the culture is different, and it doesn't feel like home. It's easy to withdraw, to keep to yourself, and wait for the day you can move somewhere that feels more comfortable. But what if, instead of retreating, you chose to get involved in the community? You begin volunteering at a local school, helping the kids with their homework. You join a neighborhood association, and soon, you know your neighbors by name. Before long, that foreign place starts to feel like home. Why? Because you chose to invest in it. You made it better, and in doing so, it became better for you too.

Application: God's instruction to the Israelites still resonates with us today. We, too, are called to be active participants in the well-being of our city, our country, and our world. Civic responsibility is not just about voting, paying taxes, or following laws. It is about seeking justice, standing up for the vulnerable, and working toward peace and harmony. As Christians, we are called to reflect the love of Christ through our involvement in the community.

Impactful Application: Consider how you can make a tangible impact in your city. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring young people, or engaging in community development, your involvement matters. Do not underestimate the power of your actions to bring about change. You might not be in a position of political power, but you have influence right where you are.

- In every interaction, whether it’s with your neighbor, your co-worker, or the stranger on the street, seek their welfare. Be the hands and feet of Christ, knowing that when we work for the good of others, we bring glory to God.

The Masonic values of integrity, service, and charity align perfectly with this call. Together, we can build communities that reflect justice, compassion, and unity. Remember, God has placed you here, not by accident, but with purpose. So, let’s commit to serving where we are planted.

Transition: But investing in our community’s well-being is not something we do in isolation. It requires us to come together as a community, working with one heart and mind for the common good. And that leads us to our second principle: unite to build a better future.

Unite to Build a Better Future

Jeremiah 29:7 – "In its welfare, you will find your welfare."

Context: God ties the welfare of the Israelites to the welfare of the city they live in. He essentially tells them that their success and peace are interconnected with the city’s prosperity. If Babylon prospers, so will they. In other words, the well-being of the larger community impacts everyone living in it, including the people of God.

Illustration: Think about a garden. If you have several different types of plants in that garden, some tall, some short, some needing more sunlight, and others needing more water, each plant benefits from the health of the whole garden. If you only water one corner of the garden, the rest of it will wither, and eventually, even the watered plants will suffer because they are part of a dying ecosystem. In the same way, if we only focus on our own personal well-being and neglect the community around us, eventually, we too will feel the effects of a community in decline.

Application: This teaches us that unity is not just a social ideal—it’s a practical necessity. When we work for the common good, when we seek the welfare of others, we too are blessed. This principle applies not only to our communities and cities but also to our churches, families, and workplaces.

Impactful Application: Think about the divisions we face in society today—political, racial, and economic divisions. We are often tempted to build walls instead of bridges. But the welfare of one group affects the welfare of the whole. When we stand together, united in purpose, we flourish together. And as believers, we are called to be peacemakers, bridge builders, and examples of unity in a fractured world.

- Ask yourself: where can I help foster unity? Perhaps it's in your workplace, where tensions run high. Perhaps it's in your neighborhood, where differences have caused division. Start by listening, by understanding, and by leading with love. You may be the catalyst for healing and reconciliation in places where division has taken root.

Unity does not mean uniformity; it means working together despite our differences for the common good. When we seek the welfare of the city together, we will find our welfare. The stronger our communities, the stronger we are as individuals.

Transition: But unity and civic engagement alone are not enough. We must also seek God’s hand in everything we do, praying for His guidance and favor. That brings us to our third and final principle: pray for your community’s success.

Pray for Your Community’s Success

Jeremiah 29:7 – "Pray to the Lord on its behalf."

Context: God’s people were not only called to seek the welfare of the city but also to pray for it. Prayer is an acknowledgment that we are not in control, that the true welfare of any city, nation, or community rests in the hands of God. Even in exile, God’s people were called to intercede on behalf of a place that was not their home.

Illustration: A few years ago, there was a community in crisis. Crime was high, schools were struggling, and the morale of the people was low. Many people had given up hope. But a small group of believers began gathering every week to pray for their city. They prayed for the schools, for the police officers, for the government leaders, and for the neighborhoods. And something amazing began to happen. Crime rates started to drop. People began volunteering at the schools. And government leaders started making decisions that benefited the community. Why? Because a few people were willing to pray for the welfare of their city. Prayer changes things!

Application: We, too, are called to pray for our cities, for our leaders, for our nation, and for the world. It is easy to criticize or complain about the state of things, but God calls us to pray. Prayer is a powerful weapon in the believer’s arsenal. Through prayer, we invite God’s sovereignty into the situations we face, trusting that He will move and work for the good of those who love Him.

Impactful Application: When was the last time you prayed for your city? For your leaders? For the welfare of your community? Let’s be honest: it’s easy to feel discouraged by the challenges we see around us—crime, poverty, political strife, injustice. But instead of being overwhelmed, let us turn to God in prayer, asking Him to intervene, to guide, and to heal.

- You may not be able to change every problem in your city, but through prayer, you can move the hand of God. Begin to see your prayers as seeds that will bear fruit in the lives of your neighbors, your leaders, and your community.

In every challenge, God is at work. And through your prayers, He will continue to work for the welfare of the city. As Masons and believers, let us stand in the gap, praying for peace, justice, and unity.

Transition: As we close, let us consider what this means for us today—how these three calls work together. We are called to serve, to unite, and to pray. And in doing so, we seek the welfare of our city, and in its welfare, we find our own.

Conclusion:

Jeremiah’s message to the Israelites in exile is also God’s message to us today: Seek the welfare of the city. Be engaged, be united, and be prayerful. As we celebrate Americanism Day, let us remember that our responsibility to this nation and to our communities goes beyond simple patriotism. We are called to actively contribute to the well-being of the places where God has planted us.

We do this through our actions, through our unity, and through our prayers. And remember, just as Jeremiah said, "In its welfare, you will find your welfare." Our future is tied to the work we do today. The legacy we leave will be one of either division or unity, service or apathy, faith or fear. Which will you choose?

And finally, let us not forget the One who gives us the strength to seek the welfare of others—Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He made the ultimate act of seeking our welfare. His death, burial, and resurrection secured our eternal welfare, giving us not only freedom from sin but the power to live lives of purpose and service.

Brothers and sisters, go forth today, seeking the welfare of your city, your community, and your nation. Do it with faith, commitment, and unity, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.