Even here in Switzerland, you can’t escape the constant media coverage of the U.S. election. I’m sure everyone will be happy when it’s finally over. In Europe, there are just as many concerning elections and referendums taking place. There is anxiety over unstable banks, growing inequality, high unemployment and the refugee crisis. Opinion polls show that there is a great deal of unhappiness with the way things are. Most people are convinced that the world is a mess.
How do we respond? The problems are serious and there doesn’t seem to be a simple or clear solution. What is obvious is that the next several years are going to bring more upheaval and crisis.
In the midst of this mess, I think Christians needs to remember three things. First, none of this takes God by surprise. He is the sovereign God who sees and knows all things. Our world has been through plenty of turmoil and problems. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)
Secondly, we should remember that our home and allegiance is first and foremost to the Kingdom of God. Our congregation is full of people from different countries with a variety of nationalities. There are lots of people with dual citizenship. Yet to be a Christian means that you have been transferred into the Kingdom of God. Colossians 1:13 says, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Our greatest desire should be to see the Kingdom of God expand and grow. We should always care about what is happening in the world around us. It’s important we stay engaged and involved in the needs we see. Our job is to see where God is at work in the mess and join him so that the Kingdom advances.
Finally, it’s important to remember that government and politicians have never been the answer to our problems. Yes, we hope for godly leaders who will make good and righteous decisions. We shouldn’t be indifferent to this matter, but ultimately, our trust remains in God. The right government decisions will never bring about revival and renewal of people. The Psalmist tells us where to put our confidence: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
We should be in prayer about our world. I think we are in for rough days ahead…but we never pray without hope or confidence that God is at work doing what is most important. When we put our trust in him, we can sleep in peace at night.
