How can we help all men and women (especially those on the margins) to achieve their full potential?
Many Christians look to Jeremiah 29:11 as a promise that God will cause them to flourish:
I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. — Jeremiah 29:11
But the way we interpret this verse is problematic. We interpret it through the lens of privilege.
Privilege is ultimately about access. How do we help those less privileged?
We must create Supportive Frameworks:
- Family
- Self-esteem
- Education
- Exposure to the world
- A God encounter
The context of Jeremiah 29 is the exact opposite of prosperity. It’s exile and ruin.
We must remember the earlier verses:
Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. — Jeremiah 29:7
We have a responsibility as the church to stand in the margins and pull back those kids stepping into poverty.
