What shall we do?
At present, Russia, one of the leading world powers, has invaded Ukraine for reasons not seemingly obvious to all on the sidelines. In fact, the media has gone as far as to say this was an unprovoked invasion led by the villain known as Vladimir Putin.
NATO, and other connected world governments, have pumped Ukraine with weapons and various means of support, while also enacting strict sanctions on Russia and its elite, in an effort to block trade and obliterate their economic fortitude.
Oil, Russia's mainstay revenue generator, has significantly increased in price on the world stage (due to the boycott on Russian oil products) while everything else Russian is plummeting in value. Meanwhile, global markets have been hanging on the edge of their seats, reacting to every report that comes out of the media machine for better or for worse. With gasoline prices in the United States approaching a $5 per gallon average, people are noticing this may be more than just noise.
Many people fear this could be the beginning of WWIII as Western nations get pulled into the fray… or at best, a bad recession.
Its Complicated
Like all things, war is rarely simple. Simple in the sense of one nation striving to overcome another, but complex in why, how and when.
Taking a deep dive on this particular instance would be hardly an easy thing to do... unless, of course, you are in the mind of Vladimir Putin. In this world where trust in media of any form(social or mainstream), is in a constant state of decline, it’s tough to know the truth to most things.. especially geopolitics. Thus, the answer to the question “how did we get here?” is seemingly unknowable.
However, what we do know is that death and destruction produced from war is a very sobering and unpleasant reality that no decent human being should be content with. The displacement and despair of millions of innocent civilians(in this case Ukrainians) is something that nations should strive to prevent and avoid if possible. One must confess that, without knowing the full context or complexities here, it should be our hope that Russia and Ukraine (and all involved parties) can resolve on agreeable terms.
War
Unfortunately, war and all that goes with it, is nothing new in the history of humanity on Earth. King Solomon, in his famous writings within the book of Ecclesiasties, solomnly acknowledges the plight of man throughout history, noting the seasons for all things and the apparent vanity in all of it:
Ecclesiasties 3:1-8
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.
Ecc 3:1-8
First Act of War
War, in this age, has manifested in different forms than what mankind has seen in the past. Information warfare being perhaps the most prevelant. In today's world, there appears to be a lot of people who are quick to speak, quick to anger, and slow to listen... the opposite of what the apostle James had advised in his letter (James 1:19). This is made evermore possible with the increasing velocity of information on the internet via social platforms. Unfiltered thoughts are destined for trouble, but throw in bots, troll farms and gaslighting campaigns, and the results will be shocking… More on that in a moment.
This sheds light on something we should all be aware of in 21st century warfare; a large portion of the battle is waged against and within your mind.
In fact, NATO published a document highlighting how information warfare is not only the usual prelude to physical war but has been a major role in Russia's strategy over the years. What they left out is that it’s also a key part of every other country's or global institution's strategy as well to some capacity. Why? For exactly the reasons you’d think: shift the narrative to their liking, or that you buy into a narrative, or cause division where they can then fill the void or steer the conflict, ultimately dulling resistance to pave the way for their next step… Whatever that might be.
There is a constant battle not only for your attention but for your acceptance and approval.
Most brains today are battered down with instagram feeds, tiktok videos, facebook posts and YouTube videos. Plugged into the digital world most the day, feeding off of the dopamine hits, the physical world is then made to be the illusion.
On these platforms, the youth and all who oblige and consent to handing over their headspace, are being fed mental heroin that keeps them coming back for more - where aimless entertainment, degenerate activities of all kinds and billions of dollars worth of targeted advertisements are pumped straight into their visual cortex. Within that mess lies a wasteland of seeded information designed to manipulate towards some end. Some true, some false, some half-baked and some half-burnt.
The result? A destruction of the social fabric of society, delusion, degeneracy, dehumanization, depleted empathy and a controlled mass waiting to be manipulated.
Your First Act of Defense
Fortunately, we can protect ourselves from information warfare by taking a number of practical and transformative steps.
First, if this conflict has taught us anything, war, especially physical, is a sobering reminder of the futility of life. Everything can be upended or destroyed in a day. Therefore, mind the words of Jesus:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mat 6:19-21
What’s more important than knowing our priorities are aligned with the priorities of our Creator? As Jesus, once again instructing His disciple regarding fear, anxiety and life's basic needs, states:
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Second, renew your mind and perspective regularly. Listen to what the apostle Paul has to say to the Ephesian believers in Christ about the mind and nature of mankind.
…that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Eph 4:22-24
Its crucial we undergo this transformation. In this fallen world we’re called to live differently. Jesus spoke very clearly that in this world there WILL BE tribulation however we ought to be the salt of the earth and light in the world. (Matthew 5).
The light shines brighter in the darkness and where there is adversity there is opportunity to display what the Gospel commands of us.
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
When it comes to changing this world, as a famous hymn so elegantly proclaims: "Let it start me".
Lastly, in addition to centering yourself on a solid foundation, be mindful of the constant war against you and all people and know:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12
Don’t be a pawn or puppet parroting the talking points you're fed off your black screens. Take action by equipping yourself with the information that not only can save your life, but everyone else's.
Do yourself a favor and unplug from the system. Open up the word of God and gain discernment.
In Christ, you make the difference, you are the resistance.