A Matter Of Wisdom: To Run Or Not?

Editor’s note: In the last year or so, many Christians have begun to consider leaving China and making a life elsewhere. One Shanghai pastor who observed the phenomenon wrote this pastoral letter to his congregation to help guide them as they decide whether or not they should leave. This is the first section of that pastoral letter. In this section, the pastor clarifies that the decision to emigrate is not a matter of sin, but calls for much wisdom. He begins to lay out several principles which he believes Christians should lean on to guide them as they think about their future.

This translation has been edited and condensed from the original for both clarity and length.


Dear believers,

I am writing because, recently, many believers have asked: “to run or not to run?” Should they emigrate from China or work abroad? Because of the recent Shanghai lockdown and the negative news that has broken out in many places across the country, many people have become increasingly disillusioned with our society. Many desire to leave this bad situation. It is inevitable that Christians, who are caught in this same tide, will also ponder such options.

One Chinese website had many entries on the run tide. One entry called “What Is Run?” had more than 8 million hits. A netizen responded to that post saying, “Chinese young people have three choices: roll, lie, or run.”

Because so many members of our church are concerned about how to think about emigration and whether or not they themselves should emigrate, I have written down some thoughts to admonish and guide. I pray the Lord will guide all of us.

>
“Many people have become increasingly disillusioned with our society. Many desire to leave this bad situation. It is inevitable that Christians, who are caught in this same tide, will also ponder such options.

Two Premises

In today’s society, many people have two basic premises when they think about leaving China.

First, they want to immigrate to a more developed country. Shanghai is cosmopolitan, and is one of the best cities in China. Many people are considering emigration because they are disappointed or despairing about the city and the nation. People want to move out of China, to someplace better than Shanghai.

Second, those who are able to consider emigration as an option, by default, have the ability and resources to do so. Not everyone has the “freedom” to choose such a path.

Not a Sin Issue; a Wisdom Issue

It is important to clarify: emigration is not a sin, but a matter of wisdom. Christians cannot judge or despise other Christians who choose to emigrate.

At the same time, every Christian who is considering leaving the country should, out of godliness, carefully consider which choice is the best way to honor God and live a godly life. Do not be too hasty. Instead, think about the essence of the law: love God, love others. Root yourself in God’s word; pray persistently; ask for counsel from church members; and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

Motives

Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart, especially any hidden motives. He does this as you quietly meditate and pray in God’s presence. We must be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, for he often helps us see, urging and encouraging us to seek God’s glory and love others. But we must also be alert to temptation, for the human heart is deceitful above all things. We must come to God honestly and ask him to help us see the true fears and desires in our hearts.

Each person and family has their own unique situation. Some worry about their children, because they see the increasingly dire situation in public education. They don’t want their children to be brainwashed, but to receive a good education. After losing their personal freedom during the lockdown and witnessing the Xuzhou woman in chains and the violence in Tangshan, others long for safety and freedom. Some people oppose government ideology and totalitarian oppression and want to live in a more democratic society with rule of law. Some, especially those with special health needs, see the limited and deteriorating environmental, air, water, and medical conditions. They are considering countries with more abundant resources. Still others want to pursue careers overseas because the economy here continues to worsen. Finally, there are those who simply want a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

>
“Emigration is not a sin, but a matter of wisdom. Every Christian who is considering leaving the country should carefully consider which choice is the best way to honor God and live a godly life.

The point is: do you want to emigrate and move abroad because you are trusting God? Or do you want to escape a difficult situation? You might answer that it’s hard to say. If that is your answer, then now is not the right time to decide. There are still too many things you have not considered.

If you know you are driven by avoidance and yet still want to emigrate, you are free to make that decision. In the end, you are accountable to God. While this is not a sin issue, heart motives are more important to God than outward behavior. If you believe emigration comes from godly motives, then be bold and trust God’s leading.

Still, allow me to make some more thoughtful points to help you see what godly purpose means.

Principles

Motives are not the only thing to consider; principles are also important. In matters of wisdom, it’s easy to make excuses and say that any choice is right. Yet often obvious, biblically clear principles are overlooked. The general outline of the law is to love God and love others. If I emigrate, am I considering the rest of my responsibilities? If I skip out on my responsibilities so I can achieve my desired goals, then, clearly, this is not God’s will.

For example, am I concerned about spiritual growth? Have I fully considered whether there are good churches that can shepherd me if I emigrate? Has God given me a burden to bless others in my current church? When you leave a job, you prepare in advance for the transition of responsibilities so the process will be smooth. In the church, you should consider whether God has entrusted you with responsibilities that are not yet ready to be handed over. Ought you to serve awhile longer? God undoubtedly leads us to a church specifically so we can edify one another and equip the saints. It is not that we cannot grow without others – for God causes us to grow – but that God wants us to commit to a community.

The core family should not be separated. If a couple is separated for a long time, this is a hindrance to the marriage and can lead both parties into temptation. If the cost of emigration is the sacrifice of family time and long periods of separation, this is a sign of God’s hindrance.

Do your parents need care? Each situation is different. Some have healthy parents who do not need financial help. [In China, adult children are expected to provide financially for their parents.] But some parents need a lot of companionship and care. Our generation is full of only children. For us, the responsibility of supporting our parents, providing for them financially, and accompanying them emotionally is unavoidable. Have we thought about this?

>
“Christians should not actively seek out suffering. But, when the situation deteriorates, that is the time to test our hearts, and challenge ourselves to love God and love our neighbor.

Some of those considering leaving do not have the means to do so themselves. However, if their parents support them financially, emigration becomes an option. Yet the Bible clearly says we should leave our parents. When we become adults, we are to be financially independent. Our parents may be willing to give, but God does not call us to spend their money however we please. Instead, we must honor them and consider their good. My parents are reasonable, and do not ask for the return of their money [i.e. the money they spent raising him and investing in his education], so there is no conflict. But this is not a good starting point. A good starting point is always: how can I love others?

A wise parent understands boundaries, and knows the best blessing they can give their children is to teach them to take responsibility for their own lives. Think about this biblically. If your closest family does not support your decision to go abroad, this is within God’s sovereignty. Submit to it.

Our theology does not advocate looking for suffering; Christians should not actively seek out suffering. But, when the situation deteriorates, that is the time to test our hearts, and challenge ourselves to love God and love our neighbor.


Chariot of Fire is a pseudonym for a house church pastor in Shanghai.

 

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray for Chinese Christians considering emigration to have God’s leading and biblical perspective as they consider.

Share This Story

Further Reading

engin-akyurt-FQzGa9FLgE0-unsplash
When Will the Soldiers Return?
Read More
wei-zhao-H3x7NCFI2Yo-unsplash
Xiamen: Beautiful, Coastal... and Expensive
Read More
robert-bye-XiQvWmj37MM-unsplash
Guangzhou: Raising Gospel Soldiers
Read More

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

Videos

ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Shenyang

About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

Videos

Stories from Qingdao

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

Videos

Stories from Xiamen

About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Videos

Stories from Chongqing

About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

Videos

Stories from Nanjing

About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Changchun

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

Videos

Stories from Guangzhou

About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

Videos

Stories from Kunming

About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

Videos

Stories from Shenzhen

About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

Videos

Stories from Chengdu

About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

Videos

Stories from Beijing

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

Videos

Stories from Shanghai

give

A short message about partnering with us.