Reclaiming Our Communities

"Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks"

(Ecclesiastes 10:18).

This verse speaks not only of physical structures, but of the very fabric of our communities. When neglect and apathy take root, the foundations crumble, leaving us vulnerable to the forces of darkness.

We are called to be active participants in the restoration of our communities, guided by the principles of faith and love.

1. Renew our covenant with God:

Like Nehemiah, who rallied his people to rebuild Jerusalem, let us come together in prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength (Nehemiah 2:17).

2. Remember the foundations:

Strong families are the bedrock of strong communities. Let us nurture our families through faith, love, and respect, following the wisdom of Proverbs 16:32 and 1 Timothy 3:4-5.

3. Serve with humility:

True leadership is not about power, but about service, as Christ himself taught (Matthew 20:26).

Let us approach our communities with a servant's heart, remembering Romans 13:3-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-14.

4. Rekindle the spirit of sacrifice:

In a culture of entitlement, let us rediscover the Biblical principle of sacrificial service.

Giving our time and talents to our communities, as did the early church leaders, fosters genuine connection and shared purpose.

5. Eradicate the blight of corruption:

The Book of Proverbs warns us against "those who shake hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts" (Proverbs 22:25-26).

Let us stand united against corruption, promoting transparency and accountability in our communities.

6. Embrace education:

Proverbs 24:30-34 reminds us that idleness leads to ruin.

Let us invest in education, equipping ourselves and future generations with the knowledge and skills to build a better tomorrow.

7. Reclaim local control:

As Nehemiah reminds us, "each community has the God-given right and responsibility to elect their own leaders" (Nehemiah 2:17).

Let us advocate for local control, ensuring our communities are governed by those who know and understand our needs.

8. Cleanse and beautify:

Let us follow the example of the early church, actively working to clean and beautify our communities, remembering Isaiah 58:12.

This fosters pride, discourages crime, and creates a welcoming environment for all.

9. Protect our families:

Proverbs 23:10 reminds us to protect the "ancient landmarks" and guard our children from harmful influences.

Let us work together to create safe and nurturing environments for our youth.

10. Mobilize the faithful:

Let us join hands across denominations and backgrounds, united in our love for God and our communities.

Together, we can create a powerful force for positive change.

Let us walk this path together, guided by faith, hope, and love.

As Proverbs 14:34 reminds us,

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."

​ Through our collective efforts, we can build communities that truly reflect the values of our faith and become beacons of hope for future generations.

• Visit https://www.savotersguide.org.za for further information on elections and civic engagement.