I have mostly avoided posting anything about politics, mainly because I have not had the heart nor the mindset to debate.  Not the frame of mind I would have chosen to be in these last few months, given my bent towards soap-box speeches, but there it is.

Here is what I’ve been thinking over the last month and especially yesterday.  It looks long, but it’s where my heart is:
_________________________________________________________

The thing is, if Trump is a baby Christian, as I’m hearing second-hand—not from media, but from people who are close friends with a few of the men in his immediate circle of influence over the last year—

IF he is a Christian….

1)
Shouldn’t we be rejoicing?  He repented.  He repented!  In other words, his sins are forgiven!  He will be with Jesus in paradise with the rest of us redeemed sinners.  And if that’s a tough nut to swallow, maybe we need to re-examine our view of the Cross and the grace that was extended to US.  Donald Trump may have more crass sins in the eye of the public than I do, but I guarantee you, his sin is not actually bigger than mine.  Neither of us deserves grace and forgiveness.  And yet Christ offers it.

2)
If he’s truly repentant, we have a strong hope that the Lord is working on his heart.  That he will change…even if it’s gradual.  If he is a new creation, we WILL see the old things pass away.  There is hope in that.  Have faith.  God can turn “the hearts of kings” who don’t even believe He exists.  How much more thrilling if a leader has put their faith in Him?!

3)
If there was ever a time to say, “Who are we to judge?”, this would be it.  Certainly we don’t know the true state of Trump’s heart towards the Lord, if he is really saved, if he has actually turned from whatever sins God has the right to hold against him.  God says only He Himself can know for sure.  But even the most adamant disagreements with Trump’s political policies do not automatically disqualify him from Christendom.  He can be saved and still not do everything some Christians think he ought.  Yes, I’m a strong believer in judging the fruit of someone’s claim to salvation.  But I don’t expect a newbie Christian to become Martin Luther by next week.

In conclusion, I don’t have a problem with Christians differing on the economy, national security, abortion…okay, I have a problem with Christians differing on that one.  But I’m saddened to see so many believers turn on one another so harshly, so unkindly.  As if their brother or sister in Christ with different views is now their worse enemy.  If the world can only know we are Christians by our love, well….poo.