Perspective, perspective, perspective… every person has one, but not all perspectives align perfectly and harmonise with each other… in fact, many are in direct opposition! There is only one that enables us to see clearly to differentiate between righteousness and unrighteousness, between right from wrong, and that’s the perspective of God. God’s perspective on all matters of life is clearly expressed in Scripture and affirmed by the Holy Spirit who resides within those who belong to Him.

Several days ago, I heard a commentator say that the west should not be quick to condemn Putin for issuing an all-out attack on Ukraine. He said, “What Putin sees as being right and just fits his brand of democracy… even if his version of democracy is viewed by western nations as autocracy.” Friends, If Putin and other authoritarians like him are being driven by such a perspective then the ‘free world’ as we know it is in big trouble! Consider the following perspectives.

Lesley (Australia): In 2009 I was invited to join a church group of women travelling on a mission trip to Ukraine. It was an amazing couple of weeks. We actually visited very dear people in churches on the eastern front… exactly the places that have been ravaged… Donetsk, Mariupol, Luhansk (and of course the capital, Kyev) and it is heart-breaking to think that these precious ones have had to flee. I heard that many of them had already moved to the west so the ones we visited and ministered to may not be there now but there are many, many others who have been so badly affected.  It was a privilege to minister to these sisters and brothers in a country that had already suffered terribly in the past. They were blatantly aware of hardship because they lived it every day yet they knew the importance of hanging on to their faith in troubled times. Their love for God was unquestionable and unquenchable. It was a very humbling and enriching experience that I will never forget. They need our prayers so much.

Pawel (Poland): I have to admit I hate Russian politics, propaganda and deception and concept of the country. Their imperialism and hunger to have more and more. So many nations suffered from them: Ukrainians, Poles, Georgians, Chechens, Romanians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Fins, Afghans, and Syrians. Unfortunately, lots of Russians enjoy the restoration of the great Russia. But this restoration comes at the cost of many lives. And this brings a shame and guilt to them as the nation ruled by such leaders as Putin.
I know we should love the people of Russia. We should even love and pray for our enemies… but it is hard in this situation seeing the atrocities and knowing that so many Russian citizens back Putin’s actions. The problem is that their access to the truth is limited. The minds of many are corrupted by propaganda and hearts of many love the idea of a great Russia that is strong and rich. We are all sinners and salvation is only through Christ, but the first step is to admit that we are sinners. This requires self-judgment and striving for good.

Wendie (Australia): I hold firmly to the knowledge that God is in control, and though Satan may win a skirmish, the battle is Gods’ and He has already won. I pray for strength, faith and hope for the Ukrainian and Russian and Polish believers, and may God’s glory be seen in miraculous ways.

Friends, the perspectives of Lesley, Pawel, and Wendie, align and harmonise together with God’s heart and perspective… the perspective that can unite the nations of the world in love, peace and harmony. Although the war in Ukraine rages on, believers everywhere can celebrate the victory that is ours through Christ!

Best wishes
Bill