I am not sure if you are aware of a discussion happening in some remote corners of Memphis right now but in response to an article in the travel section of the NY Times that you can read here: http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/travel/31next.html some Memphians are discussing who knows Memphis better- folks outside the city who visit or folks who live here? What seems to be behind this question is that Memphians do not know their city and, by implication, do not really care about it. As a Christian it is my desire to not only promote a love for Memphis but also call fellow Memphians in the church to love their city more. To “know” Memphis, in the Biblical sense- if you will. The Word of God through the prophet Jeremiah resonates in my soul when he says, “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.”
As a member of the people of God in exile, waiting expectantly for the City of God that will one day be our permanent home in the New Heavens and the New Earth, I take this call seriously. I want to seek the welfare (or peace- shalom) of the city where the Lord has put me and I want to lead others in this call. I want to know Memphis better, displaying my love for her, and as I get know her learn how the specific ways God has gifted me can contribute to her welfare. This is my call as a member of the people of God and is in line with what Matt talked about in his last post.
Like the One we claim to follow, we are a people who do not just have a message but we are the message. The gospel is a lifestyle and is proclaimed most clearly in our faithful response to the Lord’s mercy by being faithful ambassadors where we live, as we seek together the welfare of our home- Memphis, Tennessee. Know your city, Memphians. Yes, “know” her in the Biblical sense! That we may be faithful members of the people of God who, in view of God’s mercy, apply the mercy of God to all of life. What are ways you can think of that we can “know” our city more, leading the fight for the welfare and peace of Memphis as we love our city?
Go At A Walking Pace 