A spiritual dynamic attends the presence of the godly; hence Solomon's observation that "Through the blessing [or, as per some, "influence"] of the upright a city is exalted" (Prov. 11:11 NIV).
The principle finds demonstration within various biblical settings. Should ten righteous persons be found in Sodom, for example, the city will be spared (Gen. 18:32); Israel remains free from Philistine incursion so long as Samuel is alive and present (I Sam. 7:13); and two hundred and seventy men are spared at sea by virtue of Paul's being among them (Acts 27:24).
While in no way discounting the Church's mandated concern for the temporal needs of society (Matt. 25:31-40; James 1:27) - an emphasis perhaps somewhat neglected at times in some fundamentalist/evangelical circles - an equal, if not even greater, contribution to societal interests is to be seen in the "spill-over effect" attendant the presence of godly men and women. For, "through the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted."
(Scripture grants additional insight here, however. Ezekiel records a time when, both spiritually and culturally, Israel has drifted beyond a point of no return. Indeed, should Noah, Daniel and Job be present, their presence will bear no effect beyond their own acceptance and standing in divine favor, Ezek. 14:14, 20. As a nation and society at large, we do well to learn here as well.)
Burl Ratzsch
