Like many around the world, I am still processing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what it means for the world order, for American citizens specifically, and for the church. Here are a few reflections on this tragic and momentous event, and I would welcome your thoughts as well.

A Shattered Dream

After World War II, an American-led coalition set out to create a rules-based world order. This period has sometimes been called the Pax Americana, similar to a much longer period of peace assured by Roman hegemony in the Mediterranean world. But this order has not held. An empowered Russia and a rising China have observed the botched American withdrawal from Afghanistan and shrugged off the protests and sanctions of Western democracies. Russia is now engaged in the first European state versus state conflict since World War II and has placed its nuclear forces on high alert.

These headlines are still hard to believe, but we are seeing in real time the hubris of our efforts to program and wish our way out of age-old divisions, human nature and, simply put, sin. After World War I, Woodrow Wilson and other world leaders attempted to bring about the end of all wars, but it failed. And, though efforts to bring about peace and unity are noble and needed, we cannot assume that we are exempt from the lies, strife, and conflict apparent throughout human history.
This development is highlighted by the fact that so many of the greatest generation are now passing away along with the peace that they fought so hard to secure. Perhaps I am wrong about this. And I pray that this conflict quickly comes to an end and for a swift return of peace and prosperity. But the world cannot unsee the images from Ukraine; and a new generation of authoritarian leaders are testing the resolve of those that believe in peace, equal human dignity, and freedom.

A Renewed Purpose

I have been mulling over this question for some time now: “What is the purpose of our country in this new century?” The United States was the only nation with the wealth and will to win a two-front global war against the Axis powers in World War II. We also passed the atomic test, meaning we had a brief monopoly on the greatest destructive weapon the world had ever seen. And we did not use it in an attempt to conquer other nations like a Hitler or Stalin. We also fought an extended Cold War with an atheistic, expansionist Communism in the last half of the last century. I do not say this as a matter of misplaced pride, though I am grateful for that legacy. Rather, I say this as an American citizen with a straightforward inquiry. Why did God, who is the sovereign over all history (Acts 17:26), allow our imperfect Republic to rise from 13 out-of-the-way colonies to a world power? And, more importantly, how should we steward that influence now? How can the U.S. government best perform its role of restraining evil (Romans 13) in a way that protects U.S. Citizens but also defends others in harms way?

Abraham Lincoln perhaps best summed up America’s aspiration and purpose in this famous Gettysburg Address by stating that our nation is dedicated to the “…proposition [idea] that all men are created equal.” We certainly have work to do at home to further and strengthen the Biblical foundations of that idea and its application to an increasingly plural society. But that good (and Biblical) idea is true for us and for all people, and we can be confident in promoting it in global affairs.

Many have noted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s courage and inspirational leadership during the invasion of his country. My favorite example thus far is his response to a U.S. offer to evacuate him and his family: “I need ammunition, not a ride.” In this, President Zelensky has shown what strength is for: protection from and the inspiration to stand against those that threaten and do harm. Further, this crisis has clearly demonstrated the difference between an unhealthy nationalism (Putin) and a healthy patriotism (Zelensky).

Much in the world and especially the world of foreign policy is grey, but current events suggest that the sharpening global conflicts of this century may be much more black and white. I say this carefully but frankly. Russia has invaded Ukraine, and Russia restrains free speech and freedom of religion. China has engaged in genocide of the Uyghurs, suppresses faith, and refused to condemn the Russian invasion on Friday. The U.S. certainly has its own problems when it comes to the historic and current application of its founding principle/idea, but there is a difference between the imperfect application and the public rejection of a principle.

I, of course, do not know exactly how God is at work in our times. But I am certain that He is working and that the United States has been given its wealth and power for a reason. May we find our purpose and stand for it in the coming years. If Ukraine is any indicator, there is much work to be done.

A Steadfast Hope

Like many Christians, I have been inspired by the videos of Ukranian Christians praying and singing songs in the subway in Kyiv. And I am grateful for the courage and determination of so many church leaders to stay and minister in the midst of the war. The church has also responded with moral clarity to what can only be described as naked Russian aggression. I draw two key lessons from this crisis and the church’s response.

First, this conflict is an important reminder that ministry efforts are impacted by the decisions of government leaders. Yes, it is the government’s and not the church’s role to restrain evil and defend its citizenry. But the installation of a pro-Russian government in Ukraine would almost certainly come with restrictions on ministry efforts. The church will survive and even thrive despite tyranny; so it is our non-Christians neighbors that stand to lose the most in the sense that gospel ministry will not be as readily accessible and Christian principles will not be reflected in public life. So, we should care about such events; and, to the extent possible, we should engage government for the good of our neighbors.

My second observation is perhaps the most obvious, but it is definitely something to celebrate. The church in Ukraine has been nothing short of magnificent as it has pointed to our steadfast hope in our eternal King. The pictures of Ukranian Christians praying in a subway in the face of an invasion and the stories of pastors picking their way through rubble yesterday morning to minister at their churches are examples of the church at its best. This is a remarkable opportunity to speak to an affluent world (in comparison to all of human history) that we cannot program, work or negotiate our way out of our need for God. Why? Because human nature, human catastrophes and natural disasters are still with us. We still need God, and the last few years have painfully reminded us of our hubris in forgetting and even denying Him.

In sum, history often hinges on the actions of a single individual or the events of a few days. Perhaps Putin’s invasion of Ukraine will go down as a brief but deadly miscalculation, but he has alarmed Western democracies and ratcheted up tensions on the global stage. And a brief study of history such as the events that led to World War I and World War II urge great caution and firm action in the days ahead.

So, war is real, courage matters and leadership matters, and we need to rediscover our purpose as a nation in this century. And, most importantly, let us be about the work of pointing all people to the ultimate hope and peace found only in Jesus Christ.