Carrying the Torch of Liberty

 Robin Sampson-McCarthy

 “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

 Jeremiah 29:7 carries a powerful message about civic responsibility and the importance of actively contributing to the well-being of one’s community, even in challenging circumstances.

 In the verse, the prophet Jeremiah addresses the Israelites who have been exiled to Babylon. Despite being in a foreign land, Jeremiah instructs them to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they reside. This message is relevant to us today, as it encourages us to be engaged citizens who work for the betterment of our society, regardless of the challenges we may face.

 The verse also emphasizes the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of our community. By praying for and actively working toward the prosperity of our city or nation, we create an environment in which we can thrive. This idea is reminiscent of the Founding Fathers’ vision for a country where the pursuit of happiness and the common good are intertwined.

Moreover, the call to pray for the city highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and blessing in our civic endeavors. As we build a better society, we should remember to seek wisdom and strength from God, acknowledging that ultimate prosperity and peace come from Him.

In the context of the Convention of States movement, this verse reminds us that our efforts to restore the principles of limited government and individual liberty are not just for our own benefit but for the good of our entire nation. By working to preserve the Constitution and the values it enshrines, we are seeking the peace and prosperity of our “city”—the United States of America.

As we carry the torch of liberty forward, let us draw strength from the courage and conviction of the Founding Fathers and the eternal truths of Scripture. Let us remember that, as Christians, we are called to be salt and light in this world, preserving what is good and illuminating the path to a brighter future.

In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

Let us rise to this challenge, secure in the knowledge that we fight for ourselves and for generations to come. With God’s help and unwavering commitment, we can restore the principles of the Constitution, preserve the blessings of liberty, and fulfill our duty as Christian citizens of this great nation.