It’s Davos Week again. Actually, it’s called the World Economic Forum and it’s been a regular feature of Davos in January for many years. Like most years, it is attracting a larger number of government and business leaders. However, some are skipping this year’s meeting due to problems at home.
The global political and economic situation today is interesting. There are certain themes that seem to be reshaping our world: populism, nationalism, globalism or anti-globalism, climate change, racial and gender issues. These issues are at work in various countries and are upsetting cross-border relationships. It’s dangerous to make broad statements, but it’s my opinion that some of the pillars of past stability (good and bad) are coming down and it is not clear what follows next. We could be headed into a period of global upheaval.
As believers, our role is unique. We should be engaged and active in helping to serve those around us. There might be political or social causes that we should address. At the same time, we should remember:
- We are citizens of heaven. I love the country of my birth, but my allegiance is first and foremost to my King. I need to follow his direction and live by his values. Above all else, I want what’s best for the King.
- We are ambassadors of the Kingdom. It’s humbling to realize that I have been deputized to bring the message of God’s good rule and reign to others. “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Some days, it can be hard to sort out the right Kingdom priorities and values we need to focus on. It requires us to lay aside our desires and pride. Many believers aren’t thinking about this at all. They allow a political or cultural approach to set their agenda. Our conduct is also of great importance. The manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit will set us apart from others in a world devoted to personal gain and power.
Church history can teach us a lot. The church universal has come through some incredibly difficult periods, but we have an “unshakeable kingdom.” (Hebrews 12:28) Nations will war against nation, countries will come and go, but the Kingdom of God is eternal. We should hold our temporal political ideals lightly and make sure that in our interactions, we reflect the values of our King. It’s not easy to discern, but the Spirit has been given to help us. Let us ask for his wisdom.