A recent email came to me regarding prayers for our brethren in Ukraine. Christians, as well as all others in that region, are in a detrimental situation as Russia invaded their land. The images of war are unsettling, unnerving and show us just how fragile peace and harmony in life can be. While we are praying for Ukraine’s safety and protection, especially those of the household of faith, there are spiritual lessons to be learned from war.
War Is Destructive!
Most objective observers can clearly see that Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation. Simply because of who the Ukrainians are and because of who Russia is, destructive war was inevitable. For simply being in Ukraine, people are being uprooted, maimed, killed and emotionally changed forever. Many will likely flee to other countries to sojourn in places that are not their homes. Spiritually, the application is valid. Simply because of who we are as Christians and who the devil is as our enemy, we are in a daily spiritual war that is devastatingly destructive as well. Sometimes God’s people ask, “Why me?” We must understand that darkness hates light (1 John 3:19-20) and, as such, Christians are always at battle with spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). We are not home as we fight this daily battle here on planet Earth (1 Peter 2:11-12). Our home is in Heaven (Colossians 3:1-3), and this place of sojourn is merely a battlefield to defend the Master’s cause (Matthew 28:18-20). Sadly, we must understand that this spiritual battle, like physical battles, brings destruction. There will be casualties, and we all will suffer some degree of pain and hurt. Yet, our spiritual battle is a battle we must fight despite the destruction we face!
War Is Illustrative!
The war in Ukraine illustrates the fact that war brings out both the best and the worst in people. Stories of bravery and heroism stir our hearts as we hear of the valiant efforts to defend liberty and justice by the Ukrainians. Yet, a dictator’s brutal attempts to gain territory and conquer a nation sickens us. Spiritually, the same holds true as well. As we defend the faith (Jude 3), it thrills our souls to hear of others in all parts of this world who are doing the same. It encourages us in the battle as we know that there are others, just like us, who are fighting this war, too (1 Peter 5:9). However, sadly, we also hear of some soldiers who have given up and quit. We are repulsed when we hear of soldiers turning away from the manual on warfare (2 Timothy 2:18). We are repulsed when we see a soldier stop fighting, and even worse, when soldiers flee to the other side and join forces with the enemy.
War Is Collaborative!
Ukraine has no chance of victory unless it collaborates with others who support it in the fight. The forces against them are great, and therefore, Ukraine must learn to fight against its dictatorial enemy by all being on the same page and following the same plan to defend freedom. There is but one agenda in Ukraine right now – to defend freedom! What an illustration spiritually speaking as well! Christianity will never prevail against its roaring enemy (1 Peter 5:8) unless Christians all join together and have one goal and one agenda – to defend freedom in Christ! Politics, opinions, diseases, personal agendas, ignorance or anything else that often separates us must be laid aside for the battle to lead to victory! Christians have but one agenda – to glorify the Captain and win the war for our immortal souls (Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Remember, there is just one letter placement of difference between united and untied, but the eternal difference is much more!
Cowards do not stand and fight, but brave soldiers carry the battle (Revelation 21:7-8). It is high time that brave soldiers of the cross take up arms and engage our enemy with faith and with truth to be victorious. Our spiritual battle is a battle for eternity, for your children and mine, for our neighbors and loved ones, and yes, even for our own souls as well. As we face our adversary head on, there will be times when we feel the battle is too great and the enemy is too strong, but our Captain reminds us daily, “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJV). While our prayers ascend for those in Ukraine, we know that our brethren there will be victorious in the end. Their victory may not be in defending their soil but faithfully defending their souls! “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
[Editor’s Note: Pray also for our Russian brethren who find themselves adversely affected, too – some even who have been or may be conscripted to fight against their wills in Ukraine. Don’t forget to mention in prayers brethren in other especially dangerous places in the world (e.g., in nations that have state gods such as in Hinduism or Buddhism, Islamic controlled countries and nations engaged in civil war or widespread unrest). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
