Shalom Now

5 min read

Whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

— Proverbs 28:13

We tend to read these proverbs (and Scripture in general) individualistically. To be sure, there are lessons to be learned on a personal, individualistic basis. I have personal sins that need to be confessed and repented of. And in the end, I must rely upon the grace and mercy of God in Christ Jesus.

But we find this proverb in the context of other proverbs talking about human relationships—especially between the rich and the poor, those who have power and those who are powerless.

Yes, God is interested in our individual sanctification. But that individual sanctification should flow into the sanctification of a community and society, and the result is shalom—prosperity, peace, security, goodness at a societal level (sometimes called “human flourishing” for those who detest the word “prosperity”).

This world is losing a sense of working toward the good of humanity, or even community. Or maybe a better way to explain this is that the devil has deceived us into thinking that selfishness is the solution to all the problems of this world.

That line in “Wall Street” ("Greed, for lack of a better word, is good"), was supposed to be an indictment on the heartlessness of a profit-hungry world. But somehow, that statement has become the mantra of this society, and legislation after legislation has been passed (by both Democrats and Republicans) to ensure that the pursuit of profit goes unhindered by the needs of society.

In this kind of world, people are not generally willing to make the smallest little sacrifice for the welfare of society at large. The "not in my backyard" principle plays out over and over again in the most extreme and selfish ways.

And the quality of life for everyone suffers for it. How much greater would God pour out His blessings upon us if everyone worked for the good of all and not just the self.

Some people may wonder how any of this has anything to do with our walk of faith in Christ Jesus. But this attitude simply proves Satan's deception.

Our hearts are not attuned to see the integral relationship between personal repentance and societal shalom in Scripture. Many are blind to these principles in the word of God because Satan's deception has become so deeply ingrained in their worldview.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, our eternal life begins here and now. Those who believe are called to live life now knowing that we will live life eternally.

Truth be told, Christians cannot make heaven here on earth. But the greater truth that we must understand and cling to is that God has called believers to live our lives as if we can. Because that is our witness of Christ Jesus.

Father, I confess my sin to You. Especially I confess any sin that harms others either knowingly or unknowingly. But You are God. In my confession, turn the outcome of my sin for good for Your glory. In Jesus's name. Amen.