How Should Christians Respond to Troubling World Events?

As Christians, the world around us can often feel overwhelming. We see wars, natural disasters, and the spread of evil, and it’s natural to wonder: What can we do? How should we respond to the troubling events unfolding in the world today? To find answers, we turn to the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:1-8, where He offers guidance on how to navigate such times.

In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times. One of His first instructions is, "See to it that no one misleads you" (Matthew 24:4). This warning is particularly relevant today as we face various forms of deception that can easily lead us astray.

The Danger of False Teachings

One of the most pervasive deceptions is the prosperity gospel, which distorts the message of Christ for personal gain. This teaching promises worldly riches in exchange for financial contributions, but it misrepresents the true gospel, which is not about accumulating wealth but about living a life in Christ.

Another form of deception involves the misinterpretation of Scripture to justify sinful behavior. We often hear the claim that because God is loving, He accepts us as we are, without requiring change. While God’s love is indeed boundless, He is also holy and calls us to be holy, as stated in 1 Peter 1:14-16. God's love invites us into a relationship with Him, but it also encourages us to conform to His image.

We also see New Age philosophies creeping into Christian teachings, such as the idea that we can manifest our desires by aligning the universe with our will. This contradicts the Christian belief that we should seek God’s will above our own, as James 4:13-16 reminds us.

Finally, the denial of essential Christian doctrines, such as the divinity of Christ and the Holy Trinity, is another serious deception. These core beliefs have been under attack for centuries, and today, they continue to be challenged by those who claim to follow Christ but deny His true nature.

The Call to Be Grounded in the Word

In the face of these deceptions, how can we ensure that we are not misled? The answer lies in being grounded in the Word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of the "armor of God," a metaphor for the spiritual defenses we must put on to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

We must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Regular meditation on God’s Word equips us to discern truth from falsehood and empowers us to resist the deceptive influences of the world.

Being grounded in the Word also enables us to disciple others. Discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about guiding others to live according to God’s truth. As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we can teach others, helping them to stand firm in their faith.

However, it’s important to recognize that we cannot change the world on our own. Our primary task is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we introduce people to Christ and they become born again, the process of discipleship begins. It is through this relationship with Christ that true transformation occurs.

Jesus warns that the troubling events we see are merely "the beginning of birth pangs" (Matthew 24:8). Just as labor pains increase in intensity and frequency before the birth of a child, the world’s troubles will escalate as we approach the end of the age. This is not a call to despair, but a reminder that our hope is not in this world, but in the coming of the Lord.

Our True Priority: Advancing God’s Kingdom

In light of this, our priority should not be to change the world, but to advance God’s Kingdom. We do this by making disciples, sharing the gospel, and helping others to grow in their relationship with Christ. The world may continue to spiral into darkness, but as we lead people to Jesus, we bring light into their lives and contribute to the expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Our hope is not in worldly systems or solutions, but in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until that day comes, let us remain steadfast in our faith, rooted in the Word, and committed to making disciples who will join us in advancing God’s Kingdom.

See That You Are Not Frightened: Trusting God's Plan in Troubling Times

In Matthew 24:6–7, Jesus warns His disciples of the challenges that will come: "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end." These words were spoken to prepare us, not to terrify us. Jesus knew the trials we would face—earthquakes, wars, pandemics, and economic collapse. Yet, His message is clear: "See that you are not frightened."

Imagine watching a movie and knowing the plot twist in advance. No matter how suspenseful the scene, you’re not surprised because you already know what’s coming. This is similar to how Jesus prepares us for the future. By revealing the hardships that will come, He removes the element of surprise, allowing us to face these challenges without fear.

Fear can paralyze us, preventing us from doing what God has called us to do. When fear dominates, it numbs us, making it difficult to move forward in our spiritual journey. We stop growing in our knowledge of God and become fixated on the dangers around us. But this is not what God intends for us. Instead, He calls us to continue growing in our relationship with Him, no matter the circumstances.

Prayer is our lifeline during these times. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 reminds us, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." By continuously praying and seeking God's will, we keep our focus on Him rather than on the fears that threaten to overwhelm us.

Advancing God’s Kingdom

Fear and worry can distract us from our mission. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33–34 to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness," reassuring us that all other needs will be met. Worrying about the future prevents us from living in the present and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Instead of letting fear immobilize us, we should be proactive in advancing God's Kingdom, sharing the Gospel, and serving others.

Even as the world seems to unravel, our mission remains the same: to spread the Good News. Matthew 24:14 reminds us that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." Our responsibility is to share Christ until the very end.

Living Life to Its Fullest

Jesus doesn’t just call us to survive in this world; He calls us to live abundantly. In John 10:10, He promises, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." This abundant life is marked by peace, joy, and assurance in Christ, not by fear and worry.

Fear has a way of stealing our joy and peace, but Jesus offers us a life filled with blessed assurance. 1 John 4:17–18 speaks of the confidence we can have in Him: "By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment...There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear."

Living in this assurance changes how we experience life. Just as driving with insurance gives us confidence on the road, living with the assurance of Christ's love allows us to navigate life with joy and peace, no matter the challenges we face.

Conclusion

As troubling events continue to unfold, we must remember that Jesus has already told us these things would happen. The question is not whether they will occur, but how we, as Christians, will respond.

Our response should be rooted in two key priorities: first, to remain grounded in God's Word and share Christ with the world, and second, to live out our faith by doing God's will and embracing the abundant life He offers. By doing so, we can face the future with courage and confidence, knowing that we are living according to God's design.