The United States recently witnessed the longest government shutdown in our history so far, and some of the effects were widespread.

Government employees missed several paydays, those on welfare or other forms of federal aid were severely impacted and even airport security lines slowed. Even students at BJU may have seen the strain of their families’ financial situations, especially those with parents in the government.

The shutdown is just another example of the polarizing opinions in our country. Americans disagree on government practices, abortion, gender issues and even what the definition of truth is.

In such a time of turmoil, controversy and uncertainty, Americans, and Christians in particular, have a lot of questions. How should we respond to the shutdown and other hot topics? How can we show the light of Jesus in a world that cannot even agree on fundamental moral issues?

In situations like this, we  as Christians have the opportunity to respond and even proactively do something to further the Gospel and help others.  The biggest problem in our country is that we are collectively turning away from God.

With no clear morals and no direction based on truth, our country is in turmoil as there is much disagreement on important matters.

Because the problem is spiritual first of all, one thing we can always do is pray: pray for our leaders, our government officials and people who are suffering.

We should pray for our country as a whole, too. With such a diverse group of people, the United States is in a time of constant debate and disagreement, and a big thing we can do to help is to ask God for His guidance and His help to solve our problems.

Of course, sharing the Gospel is of utmost importance. That’s what Americans need the most, to see the love of Jesus and to turn to Him.

However, we also have a lot of hurting and suffering in our country. Looking at our problems in a humanitarian light, there is a lot we can do to physically meet the needs of those around us.

Many of us, as college students, don’t have a lot of money or time. But God sometimes calls us to give sacrificially. As students at BJU, we are all a part of churches in the area, so one way to help would be to get involved in your local church’s outreaches.

Not only can we meet people’s physical needs this way, but we also have more chances to share the Gospel through these outreaches. We can also help our country by being involved politically. If you’re not called to be a politician, you can always vote, and that’s an important thing to do, too.

Lastly, remember to trust in God and share His love with everyone around us. In times of success and happiness, it’s easy to say we trust in God. It’s in times like government shutdowns, when everyone around us is fighting, that our faith in God is truly tested.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

When everyone around us gives in to fear about how our country is changing or how things are falling apart, we can turn to God, the One who never changes.