In the world where there’s so much that we cannot control, we fail to focus on what we can. Lots of questions are occurring recently concerning the end times and prophetic events given the situation in Israel. I posted on Facebook recently how we are only in the beginning of birthing pains, and there’s nothing to worry about at this time. This is based on the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew chapter 24. However, it is more concerning to me is how we treat the cities that we live in. We worry about prophecy, but what about areas of life we can impact such as our own city councils?

Local over national

When I preach about politics in relation to Christianity, one of the biggest things I mention is the need to focus on local politics over national politics. Often what we see in politics is actually a religious struggle even when no one recognizes it as such. Act as priests for your community. We can make an impact on local politics. That is something we can affect when things across oceans we cannot. Too often we focus on national or global issues, and we are very ignorant on what life is like here at home. We need to orient ourselves to focusing on local politics and making our cities better.

Be present

One of my favorite proverbs is people have plenty of critics, but not enough cheerleaders. Mostly who show up to city council meetings are those who like to complain or have some grave concern. Seldom to people attend just to be well informed of what is going on in their town or to be an encouragement and help. The decisions that are made by city councils are ones that affect ourselves, our businesses, and our future. This has much greater impact than what happens on national and global scales. Often times I’m the only one that’s in the room if there’s anyone at all other than complainers. You can have a profound impact on your community by merely being present, gracious, and there to help, not to just be a critic. In other words to cheerlead your community.

What is your community’s greatest need?

When ministering in an area one of the first questions a wise pastor will ask is what is the biggest need for the community that he resides in? This is not just to get people in the church, but to be a blessing to the community. Often times Christians are not aware of the issues or the needs that the community faces. Sometimes they do if it’s in regards to the economy, but there are other issues that impact a healthy city. One of the biggest ways Christians can have a positive impact on their community is to be aware of what is going on and what the needs are. From there are the opportunities to bless and perform the good that God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.

Make a difference

Rather than focusing on national or global things that you have no control over, focus on what you do have control over. You do have the ability to make a positive impact on your city. You do have the opportunity to pray for and encourage those who serve for the betterment of our community. You do have the opportunity to make a change that would radically impact the lives of your neighbors. This is not to say that we should ignore prophecy or what comes in the future. Jesus scold us about that as well in Matthew. But too often as Christians we operate from fear and worry when we should operate out of joy and blessing. As Christians we worship, because we serve from a platform of victory, and not defeat. That means we can make a difference. Be the difference maker. Pray for national issues and global issues that we see in the news, but do not let those issues be all that occupy your thoughts. You have neighbors and coworkers and family in your city right now who need you to stand up and make a difference. You are the silver bullet to a better world. You can’t fix Israel, you can help fix your town.