We do not need to put our hope in a secular leader, nor should we. We know that God will be with us through everything, and His righteousness does not depend on whether Hillary or Donald take office.
November 8th, 2016 will be a historical day for our nation. People like to talk about it being historical if Hillary Clinton becomes president, as she will be *drumroll* the first woman president of the United States, and it will coincidentally be the first time two presidents will be married to each other. However, it’s still historical if Donald is elected as he will historically be *drumroll* America’s first reality television president. No matter who wins, there will be history made.
Which is why, in between almost every paragraph I write, I will remind you to go vote. If this is your first time voting, or your 70th time voting, it is vitally important. There is a tendency to say that “my voice doesn’t matter,” and particularly with this election is the, “Both are bad! I don’t want to vote because I think they’re both terrible” argument. And if you think so- you’re right, most people agree that neither candidate is of Reagan caliber or FDR or *insert your favorite wonderful romanticized president of the past here*. In fact they’re the least liked candidates we have had for president in years.
However, reading into their policies will likely show you that you dislike one more than the other (so vote for the one you like more! If you slightly dislike bologna sandwiches but hate them with beets, you get to choose the beet-less bologna sandwich!) I am also of the mindset that a choice not to vote is choosing not to make your voice heard. Apart from the representatives you elect (which you have to vote in to choose), this is your only chance to have a say in what happens. Use it!
Go vote.
Many Evangelical churches across America are endorsing our beloved “First Reality TV Prez." As a Christian that lives in America, I’m still confused why. After all, I’m no seminary student, but there are many, many distinct verses that talks about the taming of the tongue:
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Psalm 34:13 says, “ Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
James 1:19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
When I think of all the disgusting things Donald Trump says without remorse, I can’t think of anything else but the verses I have heard time and time again about being conscious of what we speak, in order that we might demonstrate righteous character and encourage our brothers and sisters.
Go vote.
Trump has also referred to many demographics of the American people specifically: stating that Mexican Immigrants “aren’t the best” (insinuating that they are Mexico’s rapists and criminals), that many black Americans are thugs, all of the outrageous things he has said about Muslim Americans (ID badges?? This isn’t the 1930s in Europe), and that he would bring back several of the laws that make life extremely difficult for LGBT+ individuals (such as Pat McCrory’s rise to fame, lookin’ at you HB2). In contrast, I would like to point to some biblical verses about loving those on the outsides of the majority culture:
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God.”
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”
About Jesus it says in Luke 15:2 “ And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man [ Jesus] receives sinners and eats with them.”
This last verse is especially noteworthy: Jesus sought company with those outside of society, and it was looked down upon. These people today may look different than the prostitutes and drunkards of the day. To me, they look like all those discriminated against in society. Namely, the people Donald is saying are causing America’s problems.
Go Vote.
Now, I am going to turn around a little to focus on Hillary. She is no Saint either by any means. She has her suspiciously deleted emails, The Clinton Scandals, the entire Benghazi cover up, and is “in with the Washington corruption." She has been playing the U.S. government game so long there is no chance that she is not in with the corruption we have seen throughout the years play out. In response, here are some verses about corruption in government:
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Psalm 14:1 “Fools say to themselves “There is no God.” They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good.”
Go Vote.
However, though we are getting a leadership change in our country, we can have faith in the leader of the universe. We do not need to put our hope in a secular leader, nor should we. We know that God will be with us through everything, and His righteousness does not depend on whether Hillary or Donald take office.
Go Vote.
The following video is Drew Holcomb from Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors’ song “Wild World” that was written in response to our wacky election:
