A Heart Deceived

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

I read two articles online concerning the leader of Russia (I refuse to use his name) and what some seem to think is his reason for the invasion of Ukraine.  They believe that it really has nothing to do with rebuilding the Soviet Union, taking the land that once belonged to them, or the fear of Ukraine joining NATO.  The question is asked by author Michael Brown, “Is the Russian leader chiefly motivated by his spiritual beliefs?”

For those of us who are born again as well as most of those who have not received Christ as Lord and Savior see this notion as preposterous.  How could a man who claims to believe in God do such atrocities as killing women, children, expectant mothers, the aged, and the sick?  It takes an incredibly mentally ill person to order a hospital or school to be bombed while there are many occupants inside.  I don’t even know if the devil would go that far.  Well, he probably would, although he is a bit more subtle with his own devices–he just works them out through his slaves.

The journalist, Giles Fraser, who is also a Rector in a London church, writes that the Russian leader believes it is his destiny is to rebuild Christendom.  The writer likens the invasion to a spiritual quest.  The Russian leader’s mother is reported to have been a Christian and his father, an atheist.  His mother had him secretly baptized as a baby, and he wears a cross around his neck.  I have seen pictures of him, shirtless, wearing that cross.  However, those of us who have truly been saved through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ know that being baptized cannot save a baby or anyone for that matter.  A baby cannot confess his or her sin and make a conscious decision to follow Christ.  Neither can wearing a big cross around one’s neck make him a Christian.  I have seen plenty of rock stars addicted to drugs and alcohol and who sing vulgar lyrics who wear a cross around their neck.  They apparently do not understand the meaning of the cross.  I cannot see into this man’s heart, but scripture tells us that we can know what kind of a man, or a woman is by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).  I haven’t seen any fruits from this leader that would provide evidence that he truly knows Christ.  I’m just saying.

There are a few things, though, that do indicate, if they are true, that the Russian leader is not in favor of some of the ungodly things going on in the world.  I don’t have to mention them.  Anyone paying attention is aware of the perverted ideas prevalent in today’s society which violate God’s word and His intention for His creation.  I can agree with that sentiment, but it appears that he has taken on the role of punishing those whom he considers guilty as if he were God himself.  He has set himself up as judge, jury, and executioner to right wrongs and return to his view of Christian orthodoxy.

Russian history shows that the orthodox church was begun in Kyev over one thousand years ago.  In 2019, the Ukrainian church pulled away from the Russian Orthodox Church.  The split was applauded by the Ukrainians but angered those in Moscow.  Like some other religions, the Russian church is heavily involved in the Russian government and vice versa.  This split is seen as unacceptable by the Russian leader, and thus his anger and desire to unite the churches back to the original orthodox church could be a major reason for the invasion.

The problem in the West is that they never seem to be able to connect the spiritual/religious dots to uncover the mindset of those who launch wars.  Many wars have been fought in the name of religion.  Islam is not only a religion but a form of government, but authorities tend to overlook that fact.  Until those in power understand what makes this leader tick, they will never know how to end this horrible war.  Even if they do figure him out, there is no guarantee that they can come to a peaceful solution.  Our leaders are very good at playing the “blame game”.  Without an honest confession of sin, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past and suffer the consequences.  Only God can sort all of this out.