It all started out as a silly hypothetical question during the Republican debate two weeks ago when I asked my friend, “If you had to hug one of the candidates, who would be the most welcoming?” We talked through each option, deciding together that Dr. Carson would be kind and gracious enough to welcome a hug first. This funny conversation got me thinking about something much more serious.
Is our faith in Jesus too small?
I know, I know. It seems irrelevant, but let me explain. When I asked my other friends this question, no one wanted to hug Trump. My conservative, distinctively Baptist college does not like Trump. I’ve heard phrases spoken like, “We’re in trouble if Trump gets the nomination,” and “He’s going to take this country straight to Hell.”
Mr. Trump and I do not share many of the same values, but guess what we have in common?
We were both created by God. He wants us to turn our hearts to Him. Get this – He loves us.
I do not know Mr. Trump’s heart, and neither do you. But I know that the same God that made the ocean and the stars and sunsets shaped this man’s heart in His hands.
Dozens of Christians get riled up, ridiculously upset, when Donald Trump is brought into conversation. They are so sure that he is the reason the United States of America is so far from God.
No, my friends. We are.
We have forgotten that our God is the maker of miracles, and that He makes all things new. It has slipped from our minds that the goodness of God trumps (pun intended) evil. Our communication with our Savior matters more than any debate or news piece or angry tweet ever could.
Do we really think that Donald Trump’s bad attitude is so bad that God can’t change it? You think he’s too far gone?
Then I fear you don’t know much about Jesus at all. This is the God who turned murderers and adulterers into men whose hearts for the Lord changed everything, men who God used to write His word.
Placing your vote in the election is one way for Christians to make a difference in our country’s future leaders, but it is not the only way. Pray.
Fall on your knees before the Lord and beg Him to draw the hearts of the candidates to Him. Know that He is a God of grace, and remember – where would we be without grace?
You don’t deserve God’s grace any more than Donald Trump, but Jesus offers it to us both freely.
Our limitations are not God’s limitations.
Matthew 6:26-34 is a passage that reminds believers of God’s provision. He reminds us not to worry about anything, as He provides for even the birds. He tells us to seek first the kingdom of God.
That includes believing that no heart is too far from God for Him to rescue.
Pray, pray, pray, for those who are in the running to be the President.
But remember first the Commander-in-Chief.
