Agents of Transformation

In Jeremiah 29, we find a powerful message from the Lord to the people carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The message is clear: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the Shalom 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.”

The central theme here is seeking the good of the city, flourishing not just for oneself but for the entire community. This message, though given to people in exile, holds valuable lessons for all of us, especially those of us able to be agents of transformation in our communities.

In this series, we've explored four pillars of flourishing: Community, Divine Encounters, Character, and Meaning & Purpose. These pillars provide a foundation for a flourishing life, and they are worth examining in our own lives.

Imagine a city where 3000 people are flourishing, deeply connected to God, in strong community, characterized by high moral standards, and filled with the meaning of God's kingdom. Now, expand that vision to encompass 40,000 or even 160,000 individuals, all living with a commitment to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The transformation that could occur is awe-inspiring.

Agents of Flourishing: Amy Sherman has done some excellent biblical thinking about this idea and how it impacts society. The diagram used throughout this blog is adapted from her work.

The Good

Jesus called us to be the “salt of the earth.” Salt not only enhances flavor but also preserves. In the same way, we are called to bring so much good into our cities that we preserve them from decay. The Church, when functioning correctly, is a powerful force for good, offering community, connection with God, reconciliation, healing, and hope.

The Church has been instrumental in societal progress, providing education, healthcare, and support for the poor. The influence of Christianity on culture has been profound, leading to the transformation of societal norms and values for the better.

The True

God is the source of truth, wisdom, and understanding. Jesus emphasized the importance of truth, stating, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As Christians, we must champion truth in all aspects of life, including education.

Education is a means to know God and embrace his mission of Shalom. Educated individuals have the tools to make a positive impact on the world. We need educators who teach truth, uphold morality, and equip students with knowledge and skills to pursue peace, justice, and wholeness.

The Beautiful

God is the ultimate creator of beauty, and we, as his image-bearers, have a desire for beauty ingrained in our souls. Artists, architects, and creators are the ones who restore the beauty that our world so desperately needs. The Church has a long history of contributing to beauty through art, music, architecture, and creativity.

When we infuse beauty into our surroundings, we reflect God’s creativity and add value to humanity. Beauty has the power to touch hearts and souls, making it an essential agent of transformation in our culture.

As we explore these pillars of flourishing—the Good, the True, and the Beautiful—we must ask ourselves how we fit into this transformative equation. Are we actively seeking the good of our city, championing truth, and infusing beauty into our surroundings?

Each one of us has a role to play as an agent of flourishing. Whether through our careers, volunteer work, or family life, we can embody the values of the kingdom of God and contribute to the transformation of our communities. In the coming weeks, we will delve into the other pillars of flourishing, so stay tuned for more insights on how we can make a meaningful impact in our world through Shalom. Let us continue to seek the good, the true, and the beautiful, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the very nature of our Creator.

Blog adapted from September 10, 2023 message by Minister Mark Ashton