Proverbs 11:11 Exalted, because I am blessed_
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Proverbs 11:11 NIV
Where is your city? It could be your job, your church, your municipality, or anywhere people gather for a purpose. Those who are redeemed have an impact. We are salt to our environment. I think about when Israel was at war with the Philistines and they took the ark of God and set it in their temple before their idol Dagon. The next morning they found Dagon had fallen face down before the ark and his head and both hands had shattered. It wasn’t the box, it was the presence of God for which the box was a symbol. But now, He dwells in temples of flesh. When we walk into a meeting, ride the bus, visit friends, participate in local government, His presence is within us. When Jesus was walking through the crowds a woman with a flow of blood that wouldn’t stop reached out to touch Jesus’ robe, without him knowing. She was healed instantly. It was the presence in the ark. His presence is powerful in us, despite what we feel or are aware of.
The presence of the adversary and his work also has an impact. When allowed to dwell in a temple of flesh, his filth, negativity, lies, and dark perspective also impact the environment. A drop of poison can ruin a barrel of wine. And is it any wonder that the heart that dwells on darkness speaks words that destroy?
Whether or not we accept it, we all have an impact on our environment — or our city. For good and for evil. But light triumphs over darkness! Love conquers hate. When bitterness would like to enslave, forgiveness releases.
When the people of God are in a city, it is blessed because of his presence. And when the people of God are thriving, we share our thriving attitude, resources, and health. If our God blesses, we bless. If our God gives, we give. He forgives, and so do we. Prosperity of soul is the most sacred ground. Physical prosperity is like eating food, it’s needed, but temporal. The prosperity of my soul and spirit are the most essential. And he makes me a very wealthy person.