Apparently , some pseudo prophets were discouraging Jewish exiles from participating in the good of Babylon , but Jeremiah says this is not God ’ s way . It still isn ’ t .
Like Daniel of old , I should exercise faithful citizenship in my Babylon . I should do good work , demonstrate godliness , participate in society , and preserve our nation a few days , months , or years longer , but I must never forget that the splendor of Babylon is fading . Her image of gold is falling before an invisible kingdom of God growing up in her midst .
Third , I must fight against evil but only with spiritual weapons . “ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal ” [ power , money , hate , name-calling , belittling ] “ but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds ” ( 2 Cor . 10:4 NKJV ). I must fight with God ’ s Word and the gospel and with humility , kindness , peace , love , and prayer . I must use whatever platform , means , and voice God has given me to do good but do it righteously .
These words may seem counterintuitive , but they are reshaping families , communities , and nations where they are obeyed : “ Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling , but on the contrary , bless , for to this you were called , that you may obtain a blessing . For ‘ Whoever desires to love life and see good days , let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit ; let him turn away from evil and do good ; let him seek peace and pursue it . For the eyes of the Lord are on
the righteous , and his ears are open to their prayer . But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil .’ Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good ? But even if you should suffer for righteousness ’ sake , you will be blessed . Have no fear of them , nor be troubled , but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy , always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you ; yet do it with gentleness and respect , having a good conscience , so that , when you are slandered , those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame . For it is better to suffer for doing good , if that should be God ’ s will , than for doing evil . For Christ also suffered once for sins , the righteous for the unrighteous , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit ” ( 1 Peter 3:9-18 ).
The principles listed here are general , but they have helped me keep my heart , perspective , and balance in a world going just a little bit crazy ! ■
Timothy Keep and his wife , Rebecca , pastored for five years in the USA and served for thirteen years as missionaries to the Philippines , where they trained and equipped rising Christian leaders . They have been blessed with three daughters , two sons , a son-in-law , a daughter-in-law , and three grandchildren . From 2010 to the present , Tim has served as the Missions Director for the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches , USA , and has directed Shepherds Global Classroom since its founding in 2012 . He holds a BA in Intercultural Studies and an MA in Pastoral Theology .
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