FAITH IN A WORLD ON FIRE: HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

by Bishop Philip Lim. He likes to eat Yong Tau Foo, a local Chinese dish consisting of tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms stuffed with ground meat or fish paste.

The past few years have brought global upheaval. In the wake of the pandemic came the war in Ukraine, followed by the escalation of violence in Gaza and ongoing conflict in that region. While Singaporeans have been able to go about their daily lives in relative peace and comfort, how should we process what is happening beyond our borders?

It is crucial that we do not bury our heads in the sand like ostriches, assuming that this too shall pass. Ephesians 5:15-17 reminds us: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

God is sending us out “like sheep among wolves” and calls us to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). As we engage with news reports, social media, and conversations around us, we must remain vigilant, discerning the spirit behind what is being said and aligning our understanding with God’s will.

1 Peter 3:9 assures us: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God’s will is for all to be drawn into His kingdom, but the way this unfolds varies from person to person. Our role is to remain open and obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Too often, even within the Church, people avoid asking what God’s will is for their lives, out of fear of the answers. This can be true even for those already in the mission field. While the urgency to share the Gospel remains constant, the way each of us is called to do so can be vastly different. What is God asking you to do today? We are not called to save the world— that is God’s role—but we are called to take the next step of faith that He sets before us.

We are not called to save the world— that is God’s role—but we are called to take the next step of faith that He sets before us.

Colossians 4:5 exhorts us: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” As the return of Jesus draws near, the door for sharing the Gospel will not remain open for long. We must seize every opportunity God provides, for heaven rejoices over every single life reconciled to God through Christ.

The world may be on fire, but our faith must remain steadfast. The question is: how will we respond?