Discussing the War in Ukraine with Students
The world is shaken by images of war as Russia invades Ukraine. Social media is bringing images of this war to our screens, as well as the stories of those who live in the epicenter of the fighting. It’s important for parents and student ministry leaders to intentionally come beside students to help them view this situation through a biblical lens. Here are five key discussion points for both parents and student ministry leaders to impress upon the hearts of young people during these unsettling days.
The Reality of our Broken World
Our world is broken. Sin has shattered the shalom of God’s good creation. In responding to the curiosity of his disciples pertaining to things to come, Jesus declared, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Mark 13:7-8a, ESV). Jesus did not sugar coat the reality of our broken world for those he loved, and neither should we. These current circumstances offer yet another opportunity for us to highlight the reality that this world is passing away. This world is broken and Jesus is clear that “you will have suffering in this world” (John 16:33, CSB). The reality of war is a sobering reminder for teenagers as they watch the unfolding news.
The Reality of our Sovereign God
Yet, in the midst of all this brokenness and chaos, the grand narrative of the Bible assures us there is a sovereign God who is working all things out according to his eternal plan. God is not shaken by the onslaught of war. This is a constant theme throughout the book of Psalms. “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire against the Lord and his anointed One” the Psalmist writes, before revealing the response of God. “The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them” (Psalm 2:1-2, 4, CSB). Men like Vladimir Putin are scary adversaries in this life, but from the vantage point of our sovereign God they are but pawns in his grand plan of redemption. They will not have the last word. And God is using even these tragic circumstances to draw people to himself and to grow his Kingdom.
The Reality of the Power of Prayer
In times like these we tend to wonder what we can do in response. The first answer to this question is always the same: pray! In Psalm 46 the congregation cries out, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (v. 1-3, ESV). Prayerfulness re-centers our hearts on the faithfulness of God. This is particularly true when chaos ensues, and we have seen the church in Ukraine do just this! We need to not only pray that our hearts would be centered on that truth, but that those experiencing the chaos would as well. Invite your students to pray for brothers and sisters in the midst of the tempest, asking that the Lord—through his Spirit—would give them grace and strength as they engage in a battle that is unseen. God hears our prayers, and he is mighty to save!
The Reality of Hope in Christ Alone
Wars like this remind us that no matter how much earthly leaders strive for peace, it will never be achieved through geopolitical means. Although we certainly endorse that work, we can never place our ultimate hope in diplomatic ends. Christ alone will restore shalom to God’s good creation with his return and with the consummation of his eternal Kingdom. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the goal of redemption set forth in Christ is “a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (1:10, ESV). We pray for a quick resolution to earthly conflict. But ultimately, our only hope for true and lasting shalom is found in Christ alone.
The Reality of our Urgent Mission
This season of war offers yet another reminder of the urgency of the mission of the gospel. In recent years pastors have been raised up and churches have been planted in Ukraine. God has used that season to prepare his people for these times. Who knows how this season of invasion and war will affect the church moving forward. In the midst of this sudden war, Christians there are being reminded in a profound way just how urgent the mission of Christ is. While we trust in the sovereign movement of God’s plan, the Scriptures also call us to live towards the day of Christ’s return. Peter writes, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12a, ESV). War is a reminder that the coming of Christ is imminent, and our waiting is not passive. Our pursuit of knowing God, our growing in holiness, our proclamation of the gospel, and our intentionality in making disciples are all urgent matters.
Although it may seem insensitive to talk about theology and evangelism and missions in the midst of war, it’s important to help students understand the real ways Christian faith shapes the way they live in the real world. And sometimes, that world is at war. We at Youth Pastor Theologian hope this article helps parents and youth workers know how to talk about this war in Ukraine with teenagers and children. The gospel is truly a message of life and hope and security for those who are facing death. Avoiding those difficult conversations only tells students that Christianity has nothing to say - because they’re hearing about it everywhere else. Give them assurance in God’s sovereignty and salvation without glossing over the painful realities of this world’s current brokenness. But in the end, don’t lose sight of hope. There is always a reason for hope… because Jesus has risen from the grave, and he will return to complete everything he has begun.