06 Mar How should a Christian respond to the crisis in Ukraine?
Photo Credit: Washington Post
Ukraine. A country most people don’t think about on a regular basis, but one that has a storied. Recently, however, Ukraine has been making headlines in the midst of escalating political turmoil, violence, and uncertainty.
After a few news cycles, it is not difficult to see how interconnected our world is today; turmoil in Ukraine means Russian involvement, Russian involvement means US interests are threatened, all of a sudden protestors, burning tires, and cities we can’t even pronounce are affecting our lives and the lives of those we love. So, how should Christians respond to the situation in Ukraine?
First, we must realize the extensive, complicated, and intertwined history of Ukraine, Russia, the former Soviet Union, and all former Soviet Republics. For us, the violence and tension have escalated quickly, but for Ukrainians (and Russians) the tension has been bubbling for some time. As Americans, our history extends less than 300 years – a drop in the bucket compared to families living on the same land for 1200 years. Our memories are short and our attachments weak to this land we love. It is not a part of our identity. We talk of a heavenly citizenship without feeling the overwhelming weight of our identity as Americans.
To be Ukrainian is to be a part of a rich history, remembering the golden age of the 10th and 11th centuries, to suffer in “the Ruin” of the 16th of post World War 1. To be Ukrainian is to survive, to fight, and to continue the legacy of those who’ve carried the name “Ukrainian” before you. Tensions arise when for some, to be Ukrainian also means to be Russian.
Second, as Christians our primary and premier identity must not be to a nation, United States, Ukraine, Russia, or otherwise. To be Christian is not to be American, nor is to be American to be Christian. Our identities must first be found in who our Creator says we are. We are aliens and ambassadors on this earth. Our first allegiance and loyalty is to our heavenly kingdom. As many Ukrainians in Crimea long for Russia, we must long for our true home in Heaven. Our identities as men, women, marrieds, singles, fathers, mothers, athletes, doctors, teachers, or musicians all pale in significance when compared to our identity as Christ-followers. We are image bearers, soldiers, ambassadors, sons, daughters, sheep, and jars of clay.
As Americans, we may not fully understand the political significance of joining the European Union, the economic impact Russian economic sanctions, the necessity of a warm water port, or perceivable Western agendas impacting local politics, but how do we respond when someone questions our parenting skills? Is my identity as a parent greater than my identity as a Christ follower? Do I respond in the same manner if someone questions my loyalty to Christ?
Lastly, but also firstly, we must pray. Pray for wisdom of the leaders of nations whom God has appointed in this hour. Pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia who face great uncertainty. Pray for us that our identities will not be found in the temporary roles of this world, but will be found solely in Christ.
There is much uncertainty in the days and weeks coming, but we can take courage our God is faithful and He is in control. All rulers, principalities, and nations are subject to Him-He will make nations rise and fall all in His timing. (Psalm 33:10-11)
For more information on the crisis in Ukraine, see the video below