The Proper response to war
There was little surprise when Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine. Nonetheless, my heart sank when I saw the news early on the morning of Thursday, February 24, 2022 reporting that the invasion had officially begun. Days into this war, I pray that I am wrong about the trajectory of this conflict. Deep in my soul, I sense the stage is set for a widespread conflict in Europe which could possibly spread into other parts of the world. Have we witnessed the opening scenes of another bloody world war? I pray not. However many nations are drawn into the fight, I personally believe it is very likely that we have a long and bloody road ahead of us. World war? Maybe not. But extensive loss of life appears to be on the horizon. And with Putin rattling the saber of nuclear weapons, we are left to wonder how far the Russian leader is willing to go to achieve his objectives.
As we watch the events in Eastern Europe unfold, we are, unfortunately, reminded that war in a sinful world is sadly inevitable. In fact, world history demonstrates that peace is the anomaly. On the pages of every history book, we find the bloodstains caused by ruthless tyrants seeking power, control, and world domination. Even the pages of our Bible are filled with accounts of conflict, war, and bloodshed. Ever since the fall of mankind, we have witnessed times of oppression and warfare.
Lest you think I am overreacting or being overly pessimistic, I want to remind all of us that our sinful hearts are profoundly wicked and capable of even the most unthinkable atrocities. Horrific sins like the Holocaust in Nazi Germany and Apartheid in South Africa are recent historical examples of the depths of human depravity.
The Bible presents an equally grim picture of the nature of mankind. Accounts of rape, incest, murder, revenge, and war are prevalent in Scripture. In the fourteenth psalm, we find a very telling description of the state of man. David writes, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one (Psalm 14:2-3). In the New Testament James asks, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1).
God’s inspired word accurately describes the wickedness that resides in all of us. Despite what we may want to believe, the sinful human heart always craves more. In our arrogance, we seek to draw glory to ourselves and leave our mark on the world. By nature, we all seek self-glory. Dictators and heartless leaders are not a recent phenomenon. Unprovoked military attacks are nothing new. Driven by depravity and sinful passions, conflict and war are to be expected. Whether wars are bloody battles fought on physical battlefields or cold wars fought through economic sanctions and political jockeying, combat’s strain on humanity is undeniable. When we see images of exhausted Ukrainian citizens trying to flee the horrors of war where women and children are dying, we are reminded of the toll combat takes on the soul of humanity.
Unfortunately, as a sinful race we do not learn God’s eternal truths from history because, quite frankly, we are incapable. As long as the world spins on its axis, there will be atrocities committed by sinful people. There will always be brutal aggressors. Conflict will forever be a part of the headlines. And throughout this age, there will be periods of hostility.
Please understand, I am not a politician who can offer the correct steps to take politically to prevent a widening conflict in Europe. I have no diplomatic solutions to the challenges our country is facing with China and North Korea. Nor am I a military leader who has any experience on the battlefield; therefore, I have no educated suggestions to offer regarding how the conflict in Ukraine should be handled. Like the rest of the world, I have no idea where the story in Ukraine leads the future of humanity. No matter how this global situation develops, however, I believe that our world will never be the same. There is no telling how long this conflict will last or how many lives will be lost. I do not know the economic toll this military standoff will have on the world’s economy. But what I do know is that, should the Lord tarry, this will not be the last significant military conflict our world experiences.
As previously stated, my goal in this article is not to offer political or military commentary on what you are seeing on your favorite news channel. I have no easy answers, simply because they do not exist. But as you reflect on the troubling events in Europe, I implore you to not allow your heart to be troubled. Instead of giving into fear, anxiety, and worry, please meditate on these six biblical truths:
1. Trials, conflict, and trouble in this world are to be expected. Nonetheless, peace can be found in Christ. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
2. Despite what our physical eyes tell us, God is sovereignly ruling over this world and His plan will never be thwarted. In Daniel 2:20-22 we read, “Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.’”
3. The solution to man’s sinfulness is not found in political treaties, diplomacy, military action, or resolutions. Jesus is the only permanent solution to the sinfulness of mankind. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
4. Even in difficult times, we can trust in our Shepherd, Stalwart, and Shield. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
5. Even during times of uncertainty, peace can be found in Christ. In John 14:27 Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
6. The good news of Jesus Christ still applies to the world. God is still on His heavenly throne, and He is still saving sinners through the blood of His Son. In 1 John 1:9 we read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
In conclusion, I urge you to pray for the people of Ukraine. Many of them have not only lost all of their worldly possessions, they have also seen people they love killed in the fighting. Also pray for the citizens of the surrounding nations. Lift up in prayer the people of Poland, Romania, and Moldova as they seek to assist those fleeing Ukraine and seeking a place of refuge. Also do not forget to pray for the Russian people. Scores of Russian citizens do not agree with what is taking place on the ground in Ukraine. As the sanctions imposed by the United States and NATO take effect, Russians will suffer. Some of these individuals are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of those in Russia who are protesting the war will likely face severe consequences for their opposition to President Putin. These people need our prayers too.
We also need to pray for President Joe Biden and those who are advising him. There are no easy answers to this conflict. Each potential solution presents challenges of their own. Our president, along with the American people, needs courage, strength, and wisdom. Like many of you, I have friends living in Eastern Europe, some of which reside in Russia. While we do not have the opportunity to support them in person, we can support them through our prayers. In this time of global unrest, keep your eyes on Christ. Pray for peace in Europe. And as always, pray that above all God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.