Imagine this, there are two building structures on one block where those who follow Christ come to worship. One of these structures is at one end of the block while the second structure stands at the other end of the block. Now in between these two structures there is a crack house. Question: Which of these three structures will have the greatest impact and influence on the community, the two structures where believers come to worship? Or will the crack house have the greatest influence? Which patrons of these structures have the greatest visibility on this block, those of the crack house or those of the two churches? Keep these questions in mind for later.

The verse at the top of this article, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, is one that is pertinent to the plight of every chocolate city and urban dwelling in this nation. Places where the outbreak of drug addiction and sexually transmitted diseases have touched the lives of many in some form or fashion. Places where the family structure has collapsed and the burden of satisfying the needs of an entire family often fall on the shoulders of a single female. Places where dilapidated schools, playgrounds, stores and houses stand as eroding testaments of the morale of their inhabitants. Places where the fantasy living that is glorified in rap and r&b corrupts the desires of our children. Places where the land and its inhabitants are in need of spiritual, mental and physical healing. Our plagues may not be locusts and such, but our cities and communities are still plagued nonetheless.

What we learn from 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 is that the remedy of our cities and neighborhoods does not lie within the careful planning of city and state officials or the accumulation of federal funds, but the healing and well being of our cities and communities are directly connected to the sincerity of the local body of believers.

I would argue that the sincerity and the blessings bestowed on a local body of believers are not measured by the size of its walls or the wealth of its patrons, but it is measured by the transformation and the well being of the surrounding community. On any given Sunday, you can hear a sermon in church as well as on television about how we are living in blessed and prosperous times. If this is not true for the surrounding community, it is only a gilded prosperity and the message is not inspired by God. It is only a ploy to soothe the itching ears.

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit there own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” - 2 Timothy 4:3

As for the answers to the questions mentioned beforehand. More often than not, the structure that would have the greatest influence on this block is the crack house. The people that have the greatest visibility on this block are the patrons of the crack house. As you may have guessed, the answers to these questions are connected. The reason why the crack house has the greatest impact and influence on this block is that the people involved in this crack house from the dealer to the buyers are highly visible. All too often the believers involved with a place of worship have no involvement in the community in which the place of worship is located. We need immunity in the community and the church is the key that will unlock the prison without bars.

“You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16

- Quan (Yuinon Local 313)