Now Is the Time to Display the Wisdom of God

“His intent is that the Church will display the multi-faceted wisdom of God…” (Ephesians 3:10)

The last few weeks have set new challenges for the humanitarian sector. Governments are changing their priorities on funding overseas development aid (ODA). The impact of US government’s decision to stop work has had negative – if not disastrous – consequences on many aid organisations around the world. Tuesday’s announcement by the UK government to reduce it’s spend on ODA is yet another blow to an already struggling humanitarian sector.

At the same time, we are seeing increasing numbers of militarised conflicts around the world. These increasing conflicts, and the shifting geo-political axis, many say, are the reasons governments are redirecting funding away from humanitarian activity. But regardless of the reasons, these decisions will have dire consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people, who are already struggling with the effects of changing weather patterns, malnutrition, extreme poverty, and migration.

As a Christian, I hold a core belief that all people are created in the image of God. This fundamental belief informs and directs my perspective on how people should be treated. Each person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where they live, their economic status, the conflict from which they flee, or the crises they are struggling to overcome.

Acting on this fundamental principle that all people are created in the image of God, the Church has been instrumental in shaping the humanitarian principles pursued by governments. Through her pursuit of demonstrating love for her neighbour, caring for the orphan and widow, and finding ways to lift people out of poverty, the Church established a standard which has been followed by civil authorities for generations.

This is an example of how the Church displayed the wisdom of God. When the people of God saw others in dire need, they created solutions to solve the problems.

Today, the crises across the nations reveals further needs. What better time for the Church to display the wisdom of God than now?!

I do not pretend to have all the answers, but I want to be part of a solution. I find myself asking the Lord to grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation so I may know him better (Eph 1.17). I find myself praying that Jesus, who is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1.30) would be formed in me (Gal 4.19) renewing the way I think (Rom 12.1-2) and helping me recognise the limits of earthly wisdom (Jms 3.15), so I can be among those who demonstrate God’s multi-dimensional wisdom (Eph 3.10).

I also carry a conviction that the followers of Jesus have a responsibility to obey his teachings - all of them. Jesus left little wiggle-room for selective obedience; even when his instructions are difficult. For example, it is not easy to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute you, but this is what Jesus instructed us to do (see Mt 5.44). And, in his instruction to love our neighbour, he made clear that love is an action which requires self-sacrifice (see Lk 10.25-37).

In the last few weeks I have spoken to many people within the humanitarian sector. Some are angry, many are despairing, most are deeply concerned about the shifting priorities represented by these decisions. Yet, I have hope.

I am encouraged by the many colleagues in the sector who are advocating the importance of continued spending on humanitarian aid. I have been pleased to hear of others within the Church, who are exploring what more the Church can be doing.*

Now is not the time to shrink back from providing aid and development assistance to those who need it. Rather, now is the time for us to consider how we might do good and share with those in need (Hb 13.16).

Now is the time for the Church to consider how we may better demonstrate love for our global neighbour, many of whom are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Now is the time for the Church to demonstrate the wisdom of God.

*   For example, see an excellent article from the CEO of Medical Teams International, a Christian INGO and member of the Integral Alliance: Amid the Foreign-Aid Freeze, the Church Must Meet the Moment | TIME