As long as there has been civilization as we understand it, there has been hierarchy, castes, and in general a very few people in control of the majority of resources. Furthermore, it has been the pattern throughout history that the presence of oligarchic human civilization not only ruins the environment within which it dwells, but eventually collapses in on itself due to corruption, mismanagement, and general selfishness. The only societies where this didn't and doesn't happen are egalitarian and especially migratory tribal societies as found in Africa, South America, and at one time in North America (such as the Sioux or the Nez Perce for example if I understand correctly). To assume that it was not going to happen in modern Western society would be to assume that doing the same thing over and over again would result in a different outcome at some point. This is one of the prices paid for what we understand as civilization: its eventual demise and collapse at the hands of those who hold the most power. This was true in ancient Mesopotamia, it was true among the Mayans, it was true among the Romans and Byzantines, and there is no reason to assume it won't be true today with a global civilization and culture.
Knowing these things from history, what should be the response of a disciple of Jesus Christ to those very few who hold the vast majority of resources and power? According to Paul, we should give respect to whom respect is due, and pray for the emperor (and remember, the emperor in power when he wrote was Nero). In terms of our daily lives, we cooperate with and submit to the Spirit of Christ within us like any other time. Nothing has changed on that front knowing that a very few people in the world control everything, and their motivations and operations are entirely selfish. The same was true in Paul's time.
The implications of course are disturbing, but not unexpected. If the pattern holds true, a large number of people will die, and many more will lose their personal property and livelihoods, but any effective response against it will also result in the loss of life and property. Consider the French Revolution, for example. So, no matter what, life and property will be lost. So, what do we as Christians do?
The best response to this, I believe, is nothing. If this pattern holds true today, no matter what counter action is taken, lives and property will be lost. If it is not true and a counter action is taken, lives and property will be lost. But if it is not true and no counter action is taken, then there is no additional loss of life and property. Furthermore, if it is true, and no counter action is taken, than fewer lives will be lost than if a counter action is taken. In this case, wisdom and compassion would suggest the best course of action would be to minimize the damage on our end as much as possible.
Fear is a very natural, human response to what is perceived to be a threat, whether the threat exists or not. But it is a response which is born of our own biological threat assessment system within our brains which, as I have written about copiously, are malfunctioning. Fear drives us to either flee or fight, both of which can result in harm to ourselves and to others. Fear is not a response of the Spirit of Christ within us. The responses of the Spirit of Christ within us are agape, joy, peace, patience and everything which characterized Jesus Christ Himself in the flesh. As John wrote, "agape brought to completion tosses fear outside," and again, "God is agape." And so agape is the indication that it is God who is responding through you, and not fear and your own devices.
Finally, if such things are true, it should be no surprise to those who have known and read the Scriptures. These things fit into the larger pattern of events which has been building and gaining steam over the last decade or so, and which really began coming together several decades ago. The solution to that problem for each one of us is the Way, the Path of Jesus Christ, and to follow that Way which He taught and modeled. Were each person on earth to do this, then things would correct themselves. But as this is not realistic, we can only follow Him for ourselves and teach and encourage others to do the same. Regardless, the days of humanity as we know it are numbered, and it will eventually be transformed from our bodies of this earth to the bodies of energy and Spirit as Paul described, both the living and those who sleep. This will happen sooner or later, but it will happen. Until that point, humanity will continue on the trajectory it has set for itself, and it will be God Himself who ultimately intervenes to protect us from ourselves.
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