We should have pride in the city that God has placed us in. That does not mean that we ignore or deny the problems that confront us, but that we focus on the positive and work to help bring change to those things that need changed. Your attitude can make a difference for your city.

I was recently reading from the book of Proverbs. It teaches us many principles that promote success, health, and wholeness. Proverbs 11:11 reads, “Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” File chapter 11 in your heart. God’s Chapter 11 of the book of Proverbs will not lead to bankruptcy but to blessing. Using an acrostic for the word “PRIDE” lets see how we can bless our city.

P – pray and promote. Pray for your city and its leaders (Proverbs 11:14 TLT). God’s ears are open to your cry (Psalm 34:15 TLT). We are commanded to pray for “all who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life with godliness and dignity” (I Timothy 2:1-6 TLT). God’s people need to pray. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and heal their land’” (I Chronicles 7:14TLT).

Promote your city. The greatest advertisement for a city is its citizens (Proverbs 11:11 TLT). Your words and attitude can either bless or curse your city.

R – repent and respect. Repent and turn from negativity, sin, and ungodliness. Turn to being positive, godly, and faith filled. “The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the godless die” (Proverbs 11:10 TLT). “The Lord hates people with twisted hearts but He delights in those who have integrity” (Proverbs 11:20, 17-25 TLT).

Respect – I noticed her a few years ago. Almost daily she walks up and down the streets picking up trash thrown along the streets and parking lots by uncaring, thoughtless people. Why does she do it? Pride and respect for our city. Show respect for your neighbor. “If you search for good, you will find favor, but if you search for evil it will find you” (Proverbs 11:27 TLT). Respect your family (Proverbs 11:29 TLT).

I – invest. Invest in your community and others by serving and giving. Find a way to invest in someone’s future by helping him or her today. “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel” (Proverbs 11:17 TLT). “The generous prosper and are satisfied, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25, 30 TLT). We need to invest in the generation to come. “So each generation can set its hope anew on God” (Psalm 78:1-8 TLT).

D – depend on God and declare His blessing over your city. Many have forgotten that our national motto written on our currency is “In God We Trust”. God is the Almighty; nothing is impossible with Him. We must take this to heart, “Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring” (Proverbs 11:28 TLT).

Be sure to declare blessing on your city (Proverbs 11:11 TLT). It will make a difference in your life and community.

E – educate yourself and enjoy God and the city He has placed you in. Study and practice the principles in His word. They will bring success and prosperity (Joshua 1:8 TLT). Educate yourself concerning what your city has to offer and what you can offer to your city. If you benefit one person you benefit your city.

Enjoy God and the city. Take pride in your city (Proverbs 11:12 TLT). Learn to enjoy the people of your community. Each is unique and adds color and character.

God loves the city. He “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave himself as a ransom for all” (I Timothy 2:4-6 TLT).

Friend, there is a better city awaiting those who repent of their sins and receive Christ’s sacrifice on the cross by faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9 TLT). You can become a citizen of that city above where there is no sickness or crying or pain or death. Where there is no sin or sadness but joy forevermore (John 14 and Revelation 21 TLT).

How can you be assured of being in the eternal city?

A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

B – Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

C - Confess and leave your sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9-10