Transform Your World
Martin Luther King Jr (1929–1968) lived and died to see society transformed. In 1964, he became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize – for his work to end social segregation and racial discrimination. He spoke powerfully and memorably of his dream that, one day, he would live in a nation where his children would ‘not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character’. He dreamt of a transformed world where everyone would be able to join hands and say, ‘Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ Martin Luther King Jr was a follower of Jesus. His agenda was the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not just about the conversion of individuals – important though that is – but about the transformation of society.
Proverbs 11:9-18
Be a blessing to your nation
Your life can have an influence, not only on your own family and local community, but also on your city, and even on the whole nation.
The writer of Proverbs makes the point that how we live as individuals affects not only ourselves, but also the world around us – for good or for evil.
On the one hand, ‘when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices’ (v.10). And ‘by the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favour [because of them] the city is exalted’ (v.11a, AMP). On the other hand, ‘the mouth of the wicked’ can destroy a city (v.11b). And, ‘for lack of guidance a nation falls’ (v.14).
How then should you live? Don’t slander your neighbors, but rather exercise restraint and hold your tongue (v.12). Don’t gossip but be trustworthy in keeping secrets (v.13).
We all need wise, godly people around us to provide good advice: ‘Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety’ (v.14, AMP). If you have wise counsellors consult them often. If you don’t have them, ask God to provide you with such advisers.
Be kind-hearted (v.16) and sow righteousness (v.18). If you live like this, the whole world around you will be affected.
