Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 285 – Shalom

While cycling with Andrew today, we talked about shalom. He said it was more than peace, and paraphrased what Myron Penner had taught him.

“Shalom is when everything is flourishing as God intended to be.” Myron Penner

This statement resonates with me. The whole focus of Regen.Global is flourishing – a flourishing, physically and spiritually, rooted in Christ.

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things… by making shalom (eirēnē) through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

Through Christ, shalom is not merely restored—it is recreated. Paul tells us that all things, seen and unseen, fractured by sin or wounded by misuse, are being gathered back into harmony through Jesus’ self-giving love. We become participants in God’s renewal of all things: relationships healed, communities strengthened, and creation itself brought back into fruitful order.

“Seek the shalom and prosperity of the city… because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Shalom is never private. It always pushes outward. When we seek the flourishing of our communities—the city, the land, the workplace, the people God places around us—we are acting in line with God’s own heart.  

“The fruit of that righteousness will be shalom; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:17–18

Today, in your workplace, dedicate yourself to seek the shalom of your supply chain, clients, and staff, as you seek the peace of your market, to God’s glory.

Prayer

Heavenly father, may we receive your shalom through Jesus, and share it with others so they, too, may flourish. 

Amen

Mark

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Edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI language model.