Bless Donald Trump. Bless him and fight.
As this holiday season begins and the year draws to a close, I’m curious to see what the spirit of the American people will be. I don’t know what this Christmas or New Year’s will look like, nor the next four years, nor the four years after that. But I know what I would like it to look like. And I also know what it should look like for us Christians, regardless of what everyone else may do.
I propose a two-part battle plan to be put into effect starting this holiday season, namely, now: Bless Donald Trump and fight.
Before I continue, let me clarify that I am writing from a non-partisan viewpoint. The only party I’m proclaiming is Christ’s.
As for blessing Trump, here’s what I mean: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our saviour who wants all people to be saved….” (I Tim. 2:1-4a NIV)
Really, that doesn’t need much explaining. What it needs is dedicated application, which we tend to fail to do. I know I at least do. Sure, I do fine praying for my friends and family and certainly for myself but I tend to forget the minor detail of praying for the authorities. So let us pray- every day- for Trump’s salvation, for “God…. wants all people to be saved” (I Tim. 2:4a NIV), and for true conviction in his heart and for the courage to stand up for said conviction. Imagine what good could happen if Trump were to decide to live in a way that pleased God.
The last part of I Timothy 2:1 is one few of us have noticed, much less payed attention to. I know I hadn’t until recently. But it makes sense the more I think about it. Consider all the rulers God used in the Bible for his purposes, some evil, some shifting, some good. So as scary as Trump may seem to some, God is the one actually in control, not Trump. And as wonderful as Trump may seem to others, God is still the one in in control.
But going beyond this, thankfulness still makes sense. Consider what a grand opportunity Trump provides for God to be glorified. If he becomes saved and decides to live and govern in a righteous way, then God is glorified. If he continues in his aggressive speech and “isms” such as sexism and racism, then he provides a perfect backdrop for Christ’s love to stand out in Christians- if we’re willing to step up and live as Christ commanded. If he converts, he will champion Christ’s love from one of the most influential positions in the nation. If he doesn’t, then we ***
Which brings me part two of my plan: Fight. I’m not suggesting a protest or a military coup. I’m suggesting going out of our way to fight all the “isms” and injustices and violence in our nation. Stop complaining and blaming and moping, out loud and online, and go out and love your neighbor. You angry about the treatment of minorities? Stop talking about it and act on it, whatever that may mean for you. As a Mexican, I think I speak for all minorities when I say we don’t want pity, but to be loved and respected, treated with true kindness and fairness. As a woman, I say the same. And I know from talking with friends from the LGBT community that they want the same.
“What good is it…. if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?….Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ But does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:14-16 NIV)
Trump supporters, anti-Trump protesters, Cinton supporters, third-party supporters all are making waves, both in tremendously positive and tremendously negative ways. They have no qualms or hesitation about partnering their words with action. But what about the Christ-supporters? We need to do more than complain. We even need to do more than pray and worship.
All those people I just mentioned are all fighting for a cause. Our cause is far greater than any of theirs! Ours is for love. It’s beyond simple politics, social issues, or personal opinions.
So thank God not only for his son and for a new year, but for Trump and for the opportunity given us as Christians under his presidency.
Bless Donald Trump. Bless every official this nation has. Bless them sincerely and without reservations.
And fight.
