ARE YOU A SHALOM CHANNEL?

“Seek the welfare of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it has prosperity, you will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

A Thanksgiving never to be forgotten was when I had the privilege to spend the day at St. Stevens Church in the city, serving the homeless and the hungry. We made salad, sandwiches, packed grocery bags filled with holiday goodies and shared the message of hope Jesus offers with our new friends. It was not rocket science, just a simple task, but surprisingly meaningful. To this day, it reminds me of the words of the prophet Jeremiah when God instructed His people to serve the city. (Jeremiah 29:7) My suspicion is that their circumstances were not ideal. In fact, I believe they did not even wish to be there (Babylon). The term “welfare” in the Hebrew translates to “shalom.” Shalom means peace and encapsulates the idea of wholeness, thriving, flourishing and proliferating, that only the redeeming grace of God can grant.

This year as we head to the Thanksgiving holiday, there is much to be thankful for in God’s provision, in our country, our family, our home, and our personal life and career. And God invites us to be His channels of “shalom” in our own town or city – in our own neighborhood. Let our hearts be open to the opportunities that are available to us. May we be His hands, His feet and His voice to share love, concern, kindness and hope to those who are less fortunate than we are. Pray and discern how the Lord will use you. Let us demonstrate how to serve as a “shalom channel” in positive ways in the area He leads us to. May our time, talent and treasure be catalysts of God’s shalom to those in our vicinity.