The world has always been rife with conflict, characterized by an evil undertone threatening people’s way of life. There are those individuals who genuinely desire to love others as Jesus taught in the Bible, and then there are individuals controlled by the “god of this world,” filled with evil and hate. This struggle has persisted since the fall in the Garden of Eden. As Solomon wisely said, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
In the United States, we witness corruption on both sides of the political spectrum—Republicans and Democrats alike. It should not surprise us that greed and the desire for control have come to dominate our politics. The same patterns are evident worldwide, where individuals seek to exert control over one another while prioritizing their own interests due to a lack of trust. This struggle for power has been a reality ever since Cain killed Abel.
Today, we are seeing evil exposed at an alarming rate. Matthew 13:24-30 presents the parable of the wheat and tares, illustrating how good and evil coexist in our world. In this parable, the wheat represents goodness, while the tares symbolize evil. Ultimately, this story foreshadows a future divine judgment—the harvest—when God will separate the righteous from the wicked.
As we observe current events, we see that people’s true colors are coming to light. Jesus recognized this in Luke 22:31-32 when He said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.” This sifting is happening now, exposing the character of many. Yet, as followers of Christ, we find hope in His words: “But Peter, I have prayed for you.” This assurance reminds us that, through Jesus, we too can overcome the cares of this world.
When Jesus died and rose again on the third day, it changed everything in politics. Through His resurrection, the world was given the opportunity to find peace and hope amidst pain and destruction. By putting their trust in Jesus, individuals can be shielded from despair. Without that trust, they face the afflictions brought on by evil alone, ultimately living in separation from God for all eternity. However, through faith in Jesus, one receives God’s power to live peacefully in this world and, when they die, to spend eternity with God. Moreover, they gain the added blessing of living joyfully, free from worry, even amidst chaos and destruction.
Looking at the world’s stage today, we observe yet another great spiritual battle unfolding. People are grappling with whom to trust—what governments to believe, who is telling the truth, and who embodies evil. This turmoil breeds anxiety among world leaders and the people they govern, with everything playing out in real time over social media—an unprecedented phenomenon compared to how events transpired in the past. Ultimately, what we are witnessing is the age-old spiritual battle for souls. Satan seeks to instill fear as part of his mission to kill and destroy (John 10:10). In contrast, God desires for you to have peace, as His mission is to offer hope and salvation (John 3:16).
As always, we have a choice: to believe in the Creator God or to reject Him. What is particularly disheartening is that millions of people who call themselves Christians often mirror the behavior of those who do not know Jesus. As I have observed on X, they speak and act much like the world around them, making it difficult to discern any difference between the two. This is a tragedy, as followers of Christ are called to be the light in darkness, standing out as a beacon on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16), rather than getting swept up in the drama of the world.
It is imperative that we remain anchored in our faith, embodying the peace and hope that Jesus offers and reflecting His love onto those around us.
God knows what is happening in this world; He is fully in control of the chaos around us. His purpose has never changed—He is not a God of confusion, but a God of peace and hope (1 Corinthians 14:33). While Satan is described as the god of this world, doing what evil naturally does (2 Corinthians 4:4), we have the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). In Him, we, too, can overcome the world’s control and nature.
In the midst of the chaos we see on the news, I believe God is bringing revival to people’s hearts. As Christians, we are called to speak life into others, consistently pointing them to Jesus. We must not get caught up in the fear-mongering that permeates our society. Instead, let’s acknowledge the spiritual battle at hand and keep praying against evil while loving others rather than tearing them down. We need to see people as Jesus sees them: either as individuals who know Him and exhibit His character or as those who do not yet know Him. For those who don’t know Jesus, He desires for them to come to know Him, including those who claim to be Christians yet do not act in accordance with His teachings.
Remember, regardless of what governments may say, God is in control. There is nothing they can declare that does not align with His ultimate plan. As the Scriptures say, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). God is playing chess while Satan is merely playing checkers; the enemy has no real power—he only thinks he does. God knows what will happen before it occurs, while Satan remains in the dark.
God desires for the world to be saved and for people’s lives to be filled with His love (John 3:16). The chaos we experience should draw us closer to Jesus. Let us not fall for the bait and lies of Satan, believing we must get involved in the chaos. Instead, let us “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). View this as God working in the world, for He has a sovereign plan; everything is okay, and all is well.
Keep loving others and continually pointing them to Jesus. Avoid sharing opinions that stem from your flesh; instead, provide context to any situation according to God’s Word. Ensure that whatever comes from your mouth is filled with love and not animosity, bitterness, or hate (Ephesians 4:29). Let us be vessels of His love in these challenging times.