Last night as I read about the ongoing stirrings in Ukraine, the position of England and the United States towards Russia right now and a few other skirmishes about the world, I was brought back to a time in my life as a youth. It was the time of the Vietnam War. A brutal time in our country’s history. Polarization, fear and a misunderstanding of so many things.

I began to share some of that time with my grandchildren. My grandson Jordan is beginning to study the war. (Wonder what spin that will get in a public school?) So a conversation began. I was surprised how much “it brought up in me”.I lost way too many people, saw the results of way too much devastation and thought about my friends.

Vietnam Veterans-On a little side note, one of the things I uncovered in my walk with Him was this little tidbit. While there servicemen had been cursed in three areas by the religious priests for their being there. That they would always , be lonely. Never be able to settle. And finally that they would be under anger. The Lord revealed that to me during a meeting and over time I was able to pray with many a veteran of that war. Many a time would a man walk out of meeting never to look back in those areas.

As I look at the upsurge in Crimea, coupled with things like a Russian spy ship now in Havana Cuba, I wonder what is the response of the body of Christ going to be? Add a few notes and letters from yesterday about things and you can see the polarization.

Many are the ones who will take a side to divide. It is and always will be easier to stand on your ground and shout and mock those of the other “camps”. It will always be easier to “pick a side”. Years ago I read this Jewish maxim. “Lift up the oppressed while not destroying the oppressor.” It is one thing to come alongside and help a downed person but another to be the source of denigration of another.

(1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– {2} for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. {3} This is good, and pleases God our Savior, {4} who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

It is time to pray for those in power. Don’t run into your prayer closet and come out with guns blazing. When it comes to people, Jesus died for them all. That was His “world view”. He died for the abortionist and for the rapist. There was a “Father, please forgive them.” Who? Just those milling about the cross? Or for all eternity and its people? He went where it was sinful and where He would be criticized and crucified because that was His calling and mission. He came to a region and a time of “bent” politicians and corruption.

He was subject to temptation but never sinned. He took on social and cultural issues but never sinned.

We will not change a world with continued polarization and what we perceive as a world view. We will change a world by reaching out to the broken and profane. Not by drawing a line and telling someone to pick a side. (Honestly, I have a question. How is giving ultimatums really working in you personal life? An ultimatum is a “pick a side” statement. I am not saying don’t be safe or anything like that, just curious though. I hear people giving ultimatums over family, friends, weight and jobs and just wonder. Is it working?)

As long as we think we are right we have the potential to “pick a side” and cause problems. Oh, you may end up on the “right” side when it comes to injustice but have you helped change the world?

I pray to be in the visions, dreams and lives of those of influence. (I am looking for a trip to the White House or the Kremlin.) Sometimes God just gets you to show up. One of my friends was in a “dream” and was in a prison cell. They took him off to kill him. Years later he was doing a meeting in the country he had dreamed of. There was a ruckus in the back and a man wanted to get to him. When translated, the man was telling him that he “thought” my friend was dead because he had seen him led away by the guards. He had been translated to a cell.

Another man I had the pleasure of being with at one time was awakened in the night. He was a black man in South Africa. The Holy Ghost told him there was a very wealthy Dutchman who was very sick. He needed prayer. This man who I met argued with God a bit over the “white and black” differences but in the end grabbed his son and a little “piano” and headed to the gated mansion. When he arrived he was met with wariness but was then let in. The Dutchman was lying in his bed, feverish and dying. The boy began to play and they sang two songs and anointed him with oil, prayed and left. One week later, this minister received a letter of notification that this mansion with an 18 hole golf course was his. (He subsequently stocked the ponds with Koi and the property was soon self sufficient.

What can’t you do with God and faith? The Bible talks about might exploits in the book of Daniel. We overcome division and indifference with the goodness of God, not with fiery speeches and condemnation. We do not need to stir fear to change lives. Love is the catalyst.

Who’s side am I on? I am on Jesus. To be on His side I believe as He did, walk as He did and cause change as He did. His side is to establish through His people a kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. Not politicism veiled in the Bible or the attempt to quell and establish peace with fear. (I am not saying do not participate in politics or not run for office. The principles of Jesus transcend political parties or platforms. Do you want someone in office who wants to stop abortion but cheats with His secretary?)

We are in a tremendous time with tremendous opportunities. Let us face the risks with increased faith and compassion. How much is an act of compassion worth? How about “who will touch a Congressman” with their prayers and compassion? Who will expand the kingdom (The life changing source of life.) to the White House or the Senate?

The grace of God is reaching out.