From a distance it’s easy to watch the events that are unfolding in Ukraine and think,
“Why should I care?
After all it’s halfway across the world and it’s none of our business anyway.”
Unfortunately this apathetic response is typical of too many Americans.
Americans and more specifically American Christians should be deeply concerned about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and here’s why.
It affects real people.
Too often we watch the news with an aloof attitude. The number of those who were killed or injured is just that, a number. We fail to see the broader and deeper impact on the family and culture, we fail to understand the pain and suffering that people experience for a life time afterwards!
The conflict in Ukraine is daily life for millions of people. The threat of violence in many cities is no longer a threat but a reality! Besides the violence there’s the complication of struggling to deal with growing inflation which is now making it difficult for many Ukrainians to put bread on the table.
In today’s world what happens in another country doesn’t stay there.
We’re naive if we think that major events that happen in another country won’t affect us in America, they will! Today we live in a world that is more connected internationally than ever before.
The globalization of the market place means that if things go bad in Russia or Ukraine or any other major country it could have a significant impact on the US. However, it’s not just the economy, globalization affects the way the world thinks and acts on many social levels.
It shows that America has weakened.
It turns out that other world leaders have been watching the US closely and the news isn’t good. Obama’s numerous phone calls with Russian president Valdimr Putin have done absolutely nothing to ease the tensions and bring peace.
Why?
Because Putin has learned that US leadership is not willing to back their words up with action! This is not only a sign that Russia can do as she pleases but it is also a green light to the leaders of many other countries to do as they please.
Check out what Albert Mohler says about Obama and Putin.
There is a right and a wrong here.
Politics are not amoral, in fact all politics are built on the foundation of moral beliefs. When individuals, a group of people or a nation do things that are wrong we have a responsibility to stand up and call them out. If we don’t stand against evil then we condone it by our silence.
It is the Christian’s responsibility to understand how Biblical principles apply in every situation, including politics. As believers we must carefully evaluate everything against the backdrop of God’s Word and then boldly stand for righteousness, justice and truth in every situation!
It may close down much of Eastern Europe to the gospel.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect for the Christian is that what is happening now may eventually lead to Eastern Europe closing the doors to the free proclamation of the gospel.
Russia is already well on it’s way to bring back more Soviet type control when it comes to freedom of speech and freedom of worship, while Ukraine has remained much more open. Russia’s annexation of the Crimea and possibly other parts of Ukraine likely signify a significant loss of freedoms for those who live there.
It can happen here.
Peace and freedom are more fragile than we’d like to think. Ask me 2 months ago if I ever thought Russia would invade and take over part of Ukraine and I would have said “No way!”
When we left Ukraine in October there was no hint that anything like this could ever happen. However, with the right conditions things can change very quickly.
America can also change quickly!
God is at work!
I hope I’ve given you enough reasons to care about what is going on in Ukraine but I want to give you one last one! This is something that you don’t see on the regular news but God is at work!
The crisis in Ukraine has created some unique opportunities to share the gospel and I want you to take a couple of minutes to check out a short letter and photos that we recently received from a pastor we work with in Ukraine.
I guarantee it will encourage you!
Lee Lanier
April 16, 2014GOD is at work, HIS Word is coming to hand & we must as Christians in whole must fast & pray for the lost one’s soul & also for GOD’S people to help the needy in Ukraine as they go thru this crises with Russia as for sure they will need food, water, fuel, Putin will face the LORD &” answer for his deeds !
Caleb
April 16, 2014Yes, God is at work! No matter how disappointing the news sounds God will accomplish his purposes and bring people to himself, that’s the truth that keeps me going!
TCAvey
April 16, 2014Thank you for sharing this. I pray Americans will listen- that Christians everywhere will listen- not to you, but to God through you.
This part, “If we don’t stand against evil then we condone it by our silence.” reminds me of my favorite quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless, Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
Caleb
April 16, 2014I love the quote from Bonhoeffer! Thanks for sharing it. I guess I was getting a little tired of Christians who say that we should “stay out of politics”. While I believe that our main focus should be on preaching the gospel we also need to make clear statements on what the government is doing, especially if it is not in line with Biblical principles.
TCAvey
April 16, 2014I’m with you, Caleb. It’s why I wrote my book. I feel God WANTS Christians to get involved. We can’t afford to stay out of politics. But not politics like the world conducts them. We are to be salt and light and LOVE. It is possible to be both loving and politically involved.
But this is a discussion we might ought to continue via email as it could get long 🙂
Bill (cycleguy)
April 16, 2014Thanks for filling us in on what is happening FOR THE GOOD in Ukraine. Of course, we are not going to hear that sort of stuff. I am happy to be an American but I am also disappointed/ashamed at our leaders’ (lack of) response to the crisis and the ineffectual one when there is. The crisis will hit us if we are not praying and preparing our hearts.
Caleb
April 18, 2014I think that is is important to remember and to see how God is working in the midst of crisis like this. We all need to be prepared mentally and spiritually and this is also a good wake up call.
Kari Scare
April 16, 2014Appreciate you sharing this, Caleb. Definitely praying about the situation and the ministry taking place there.
Caleb
April 18, 2014You’re welcome Kari, thanks for your prayers.
Chris Peek
April 16, 2014You have echoed a big frustration of mine here in America – that we are apathetic toward the rest of the world. Sadly, too many people believe our freedoms are always going to exist. Like you, I never thought the Ukraine would endure an invasion like this.
Unfortunately, Putin is running rings around the rest of the world in terms of foreign policy. He pushes the envelope a little bit each time to gauge the response of the other world powers. Now, he sees that there is no leadership that will stand up to him.
Caleb
April 18, 2014I agree with you about Putin! Did you see any clips from his call-in tv appearance yesterday? Some of the things he said about Ukraine were very disturbing.
Chris Peek
April 20, 2014I didn’t get a chance to see any of it. What did he say?
floyd
April 16, 2014My heart breaks for a country at war… The church there is the real deal. It’s easy to talk the talk this far away, but I’m with you, Caleb; things change quicker than we realize. I’m praying for the church there and here, may God’s hand move swiftly.
Caleb
April 18, 2014That really is one lesson I’m learning right now, things can change much quicker than I realize. I’m now praying that things will calm down and there will be peace sooner than I expect!
BlessingCounter - Deb Wolf
April 16, 2014Caleb, Thank you for this. I have already shared it and pray that it is far reaching. We will continue to pray for the Ukraine and ask others to join us. Many blessings to you and all who you hold dear.
Caleb
April 18, 2014Thank you for your prayers Deb!
Dan Black
April 17, 2014We have to be mindful and pray for those outside of our country. We can’t selfishly think about our own wants or needs. The church (and myself) need to spend more time praying for other counties. Thank you for sharing this.
Caleb
April 18, 2014Very true Dan! I think our tendency is to focus on our own immediate needs in prayer but we need to look beyond that in our prayers too.