He is Exalted

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
HE IS EXALTED
Prov 11:11
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
NIV
Is this not much the same as the last devotion from the preceding verse? Or maybe if I consider the city as the local Kingdom of God, the local body of Christ, the church or community in which I reside than I might see some practical applications. The loving caring words spoken with compassion and grace to each of the other members within certainly builds up the church. How easy it is to speak other kinds of words such as judgment and condemnation. How easy it is to allow gossip to be the rule of thumb in conversation. Envy and jealousy never promote the exhortation of another. How could I ever built up the city of God when I have any ill feelings at all about anyone within, or for that matter without the city. If I am going to be a blessing to the city of God, his kingdom, than I need to be upright in the sight of all. I need to be that shining light on the hilltop, showing the way into the city. I need to live out my faith, in love and compassion to every person, saved and unsaved alike. I think that is the only way I can exalt the Kingdom of God. If I live any different I think I would have a very adverse effect on the city. I think of seeing those symbols of Jesus on the backs of cars as they weave in and out of traffic, speeding far above the limit and wonder how much destruction that does to the city. Then I think of the symbols of Jesus I wear in my being and if I do any harm to the city in my travels on the road of life with unbelievers. I think the key word here is blessing. I need to be a blessing both within and without the community of believers. I need to be a blessing to all peoples then the city of my God will be exalted on high. In the grand scheme of things, that is the only thing that matters. He is exalted.