Let’s start off with what this is not. This isn’t me telling you to vote for one candidate over another. This isn’t me saying that we should “Make America Great Again,” nor is it me saying, “I’m with her.”
Let’s be honest, neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton are a perfect fit for the office of President of the United States. Both candidates have problems. Both candidates have policies that many Americans do not agree with. Both of them have attributes, or temperaments, if you wish, that are not viewed favorably amongst the public.
Most importantly, though, neither are the biblical description of what a leader should be. The book of Philippians says in the third verse of its second chapter that a leader is to "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourself," (NIV).
One thing I noticed from watching last week's first of this year's presidential debates is the overwhelming amount childish behavior emitted by these two. In fact, a fair amount of time was spent interrupting the other and playing themselves up to the cameras. They both made jabs at each other and talked about why the other should not hold office rather than why they should. At the debate's conclusion, they both agreed, though reluctantly, to support the other should they lose the election come November.
Now, according to this verse in Philippians, if either of them were the leader America needs, then they would have the humility to accept that their opponent may be able to do the job in an equally well, albeit different, way. I think it is plain to see through the personal nature this campaign season has taken , that this is simply not the case.
They also would not be fueling the fires of selfishness or vanity. For Trump and Clinton both, this election revolves around them becoming the nominal President. For the business magnate, there's only one place left to go in his career, as far as continuing growth, and that is to become the "Leader of the Free World." The former First Lady, has held many positions previously held by women, First Lady of Arkansas, First Lady of the United States, US Senator, and, most recently, Secretary of State. You know what position a woman's never held? President of the United States of America. Sounds a little selfish and slightly vain.
I'm not saying that these two people don't have good intentions. They both have policies and procedures that they truly believe are right and what we, as Americans, need. They are not the epitome of evil.
As a Christian, I choose to love Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as Christ would. Just as every American does, they have problems and sins that Jesus atoned for when he died on the cross. They are no worse than any of us are. In John 8:7, Jesus says, "'Let any one of you who is without sin be the first one to throw a stone."
That's why this presidential election will be hard to choose who to cast my vote for. We need a leader who can lead us towards Christ, as a nation. Unfortunately, neither has done much to persuade me that that's something they'll do.
In the meantime, I'll continue to pray for them and this election. But, one last thought, don't back away from voting because making a decision is hard, it's our job as American citizens. You can't complain if you don't vote, whoever it's for. Good luck and choose wisely!
