All South Africans have asked this question at one point or the other. Every time we approach another election, our country’s politics become more volatile. Our politicians are corrupt and the infrastructure and economy is collapsing. Life on the Australian coastline becomes more and more attractive. The problems we face, particularly the problem of violent crime, are truly serious problems. Therefore we cannot make light of the question of immigration and no one can prescribe the answer to another. You will not find a straight yes or no answer in this article. Rather, we are going to explore Biblical principles to apply to our individual circumstances.
Live by faith, not fear
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Fear is a very real emotion. We struggle with it daily. But if it is not from God, from whom is it? Anything that is not from God, is from the enemy. Fear is the devil’s strongest weapon against us. Although we might never be rid of fear, we can decide not to let it rule us. If we make decisions based on fear, the devil has us in his power. He can manipulate us and pull us away from our purpose in God.
On the other hand “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights” (James 1:17). The father of lights, our God, gives us the gift to combat fear: faith. It is our trust in Him. The knowledge that He is good and in full control, that disables fear.
History's most famous emigration story can teach us about living by faith. God commanded the Israelites to leave Egypt for the promised land. After their journey through the Red Sea and the desert, Moses died. Joshua was suddenly promoted to be the leader of Israelites. He had to lead them into Cannan, a land where frightening giants roamed. No doubt, the devil rejoiced in the fear that Joshua experienced. But God told him, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Joshua took heart, he was encouraged and strengthened in the knowledge that God would keep them. God promised to be with them. He stopped the waters of the Jordan so they could cross safely and let the walls of Jericho crumble at the sound of their voices. He defied nature and crushed Israel’s enemies.
As followers of Jesus, we should have Joshua’s courage. This courage is not found in our own abilities, but in trusting God. He will protect us. Wherever we are in the world, there He will be with us. He can defeat any enemy. God called the Israelites to move from the safety of Egypt into the dangerous wilderness. In His wisdom, He placed you in South Africa. Wherever God calls you to be, He will be with you.
Pursue God’s will for your life
We are tempted to design our own lives. With air travel, we can make the voyage to greener grass within days. With the reputation of being hard workers, we are sought after by other countries. But we cannot run from this essential truth: As born again Christians we are at enmity with the world. Jesus said to His disciples, “ If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 18:15). We belong to God and the devil will plot against us. The godless world, under the influence of the devil, will judge us. This is true of every corner of the world. At best we will be treated like outcasts, but in some countries we might even be persecuted for our faith. The devil will orchestrate a plan for our suffering wherever we are, so that we should fail in our mission to serve God.
With this truth in mind, we must approach our futures differently. Instead of asking how we can make our lives more comfortable we should ask how we can serve God where we are. For mothers, it is to faithfully disciple their children in the ways of the Lord. For businessmen it is to bring some of God’s justice and mercy into the world of business. Wherever we are, we can be salt and light in a dark and decaying world. We can counter the corruption and crime in our country by being honest and standing for justice.
Jesus’ audience for the sermon on the mount was worried about money. Jesus redirected their focus to God, assuring them that God is working behind the scenes to take care of their needs. They should use their energy instead to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, (as) all these things will be added to (them).” (Matthew 6: 33). These words still ring true. Instead of worrying about crime and corruption, we should focus our attention on God, His righteousness and His Kingdom.
God has placed you in South Africa. He has a particular purpose for you here, and unless He instructs you to leave, He wants you to stay. Choose to make decisions based on faith, not fear. Your safety and comfort should not determine where you live. Instead, allow God to rule in you and through you. Seek to serve God and live out His purposes for your life. Apostle Paul proclaims; “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.” (Romans 14:8). In the same way in South Africa, we must live, serve and die unto the Lord.
This article is written by Christine Van Reenen.
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