The World Needs Christ
During these troubled times, Kimberly reflects on the importance of us keeping our attention fixed on Christ.
By Kimberly Ross
A young man being baptised after being called up by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
As the Russian and Ukrainian conflict rages, the world is watching. For someone like me who lives in the United States, the trouble seems far off. This is an unfortunate aspect of distance. Europe is half a world away. An entire, vast ocean separates Americans from a very different, diverse reality. There is a danger that exists in allowing this - or any - distance to neutralize empathy. But in the midst of a political and militaristic mess, truth and compassion should never waver.
The binary mindset so prevalent in Western politics challenges its audience to label good and evil. This doesn't apply just to political but to societal ills as well. There is no doubt that evil is alive and working in this fallen world. And the "good" we see in others is never perfection. We place men and women into categories of behaviour. In turn, they do the same to us. As uncomfortable or as unpopular as it may sometimes be, we should never back down from confronting wrong.
As I see individuals take stock of what is happening in Ukraine, I notice a tendency to shy away from unity. I am no expert in foreign affairs but I do understand that destroying a neighbouring country and killing innocent men, women, and children is wicked. This doesn't require that I agree with the policy leanings of elected leaders in the country that's being targeted. It doesn't require that I share much of anything beyond basic humanity and the right to freedom.
Recently on social media, I expressed empathy for the innocent who are caught in the midst of this current conflict. One response included “be careful, empathy is a double-edged sword.” If there is one statement that's indicative of the toxic reality in which we live, this would be it. Sides are pitted against one another in towns, cities, states, countries, and especially between ideologies. How could we not lean toward cynicism when presented with a situation that requires some sort of response? The last two years have been difficult for a variety of reasons. In a larger sense, we've all shared the experience of a pandemic. It has brought sickness, death, and economic struggles, to name a few. Perhaps our tanks of empathy have run out. But we should not let them.
Samuel Johnson, an 18th century English writer, said it well: “How small, of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure.” As we survey turmoil and suffering, whether it be in Ukraine or elsewhere, it's tempting to yearn for a solution that only comes in the form of man. But as Johnson's words allude to, the deep well of our souls cannot be satisfied by man's actions. It is a bleak outlook indeed if we place our trust in leaders and rulers. Each one will rise and fall. Some will do good and others, as we've seen throughout history, will do evil. Psalm 146:3 reminds us "Put not your trust in princes." It's no wonder that this is included in scripture. Human beings, seeing no solution or solace in other areas of life, look to kings, princes, presidents and the like to make things right. But while some things can be patched and defended, a soul-sized hunger remains.
I can't say what the outcome will be in Ukraine. I pray God turns the hearts of men toward good, and not evil. I pray for innocent lives - on both sides - to be protected. I also pray that I'll maintain a sense of compassion. The lost souls who witness this and other horrors desperately need the hope of Christ. The believers who find themselves without safety or basic resources need to be reminded of God's goodness when life is dismal.
Beyond limited resources, prayer and compassion are the blessings we can give others. These are the basics. Pray for your allies. And pray for your enemies. We need solutions to conflict. But ultimately, the world needs Christ.