Jeremiah 29: 7 says, "And seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare."

There's a good chance I'm not the only one who wonders "How can I make a difference in these unique days?" It can get overwhelming to observe the massive spiritual, emotional, and physical needs in our country and think there isn't anything we can do.

The division is deep and we can no longer capsulize our lives as everything bleeds together. If someone doesn't like what you say, they can shut down your business; silence you through social bullying. But silence is also treacherous territory and people can do the same thing if you DON'T SAY the right things.

I recently had an email from a customer who was vicious in her attack not because I said anything, but because I wouldn't use my business as a platform to promote HER agenda.

These days, we are increasingly expected to use our business as a social and political platform; and depending on the day, that can go well or bad for us. There's no hiding. If we don't publicly promote something, our social and political positions are assumed.

As a Believer, I watch this craziness and wish that I could fix it all, right now. But Jesus is the only one that can do that, and as of this writing, He hasn't come back yet.

So what can I do? Where do we start? What is appropriate to promote within our business?

>>Seek the welfare of our community<<

How? It's different for all of us.

Some businesses successfully take a very visible and bold stand socially and politically. On both sides. But they specifically market to those people so it serves to build their business. Not everyone can do that.

*Consider who your target audience is first and foremost.
Example: My audience is primarily of social and political positions opposite to mine. I steer FAR away from anything that can hint towards current social issues and remain in an extremely narrow lane that focuses 100% on my product and how people use my product. To deviate even the slightest would be catastrophic for my business. BUT...I can still minster to my clientele because:

Deeper than the surface issues, we all have a need to be affirmed, accepted, acknowledged.
Whatever your business is, consider how your product or service can tap into those basic human needs.
*Be there for those in your circle of influence. Don't worry about those in other industries, cities, etc. Be present in your home, neighborhood, networking groups, among your clientele. Start there. Ask God for wisdom in how to speak into their lives the love and truth of the God Most High.

Real influence and change comes from one-on-one interactions.

I can't make half of my country see the truth. I can't rescue all the children being trafficked. Nor can I stop the onslaught of lies pouring through our airwaves. It's not my job to change the perspective of those I do business with. But...

I can be a friend to my customers. I can pray over my neighborhood. I can ask people if I can pray for them. I can seek the welfare of people in my circle of influence.

Amen.