Faith, Work, and Exile: Applying Jeremiah 29:7 with Tim Keller

Faith and work are integrally connected in the Christian life, particularly in the context of living as exiles within a city or culture that may be indifferent or even hostile to Christian values. Work—whether economic, cultural, or social—is a vital means by which believers reflect the image of God and bring blessing to the world. This calling involves active participation in the community, not through withdrawal or domination, but through engagement marked by integrity, purpose, and service.

Jeremiah 29:7 serves as a foundational biblical mandate for this engagement. God commands His people to seek the welfare, or shalom, of the city where they reside, even when they are in exile. This instruction is not a call to retreat or to impose power, but to bless the city by contributing to its well-being. Seeking the city’s welfare encompasses practical actions such as building homes, planting gardens, raising families, and addressing social issues. These activities demonstrate faithful living in exile, where Christians act as salt and light—positively influencing their environment while maintaining their distinct Christian identity.

Christian identity is central to this approach. Believers are understood as exiles—citizens of heaven living in a foreign land—and their engagement with the city must be rooted in this identity. Influence is exercised not through cultural power or dominance but through service, integrity, and faithful witness. Work becomes a means of serving God and others, reflecting God’s creative activity and contributing to the common good.

This perspective embraces the “already and not yet” tension of God’s kingdom. While the fullness of God’s promises awaits ultimate fulfillment in Christ, believers are empowered now to participate in God’s redemptive mission through their work and social involvement. This ongoing mission is grounded in the gospel and calls Christians to be active participants in their communities, guided by biblical truth and empowered by the hope and promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ. [07:40]

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Orlando Grace Church, one of 2 churches in Altamonte Springs, FL