We’ve all seen it and heard it. Hell, some of you maybe even wore jewelry or
a shirt that said it. WWJD; What Would
Jesus Do?
In theory, this is a great way to try to live your
life. In reality however, the life we lead
is more nuanced and layered than perhaps Jesus and his followers led. Perhaps WWJD just doesn’t cut it always.
Earlier this week, I was challenged by a friend who said
that Christians have an obligation to
get involved in the conflict with Russia and Ukraine. I’m also seeing memes and posts about how
David eventually had to act against Goliath etc.
Now if you want to discuss what Canada, the US or the other
NATO countries should do in this situation, I would be much more open minded to
the discussion. The obligations and
expectations of political nations when one country invades another should be
clear. Let’s stop that bad thing from
happening any more. If we’re able to do
something, we should.
My question though is what is the obligation of a Christian
in this situation? I would argue that Christians
are supposed to be about the way of peace and love. Jesus himself said to turn the other cheek
and was never (that we know of) violent toward another human being.
As a result, I would say that the obligation of the Christian
stops before any direct combat is involved.
Christians are cleaning wounds and feeding refugees. Providing clothing and shelter for people
displaced by the horror that is going on in their country.
But I don’t think Christians should be taking up arms
against the aggressors or directly fighting in the battles.
That isn’t the way of Jesus that we know.
That is the way of man and it has been for many thousands of
years.
Jesus came to show us a different way.
I will honestly tell you that I don’t know how to reconcile
how I feel that a nation should act vs. how I think a Christian should act
given the world today. I don’t know that
there is an easy answer. Thoughts and
prayers can only go so far and that is a whole separate blog.
For now, I would say if you’re looking for the Christian thing
to do here it would be this:
Find a way to help.
Whether it’s money for food or a clothing drive or sending shoes
etc. If you're close to the conflict, open your doors to people who are fleeing for their lives. Help people settle in temporary shelters and make sure they have what they need. There are a variety of ways that we
can help that do not involve taking up arms.
And keep praying for wisdom and guidance and hopefully
clarity of mind on the part of the aggressors so that maybe this will end
before more countries get involved and more people die.
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