We don’t always understand why things happen, but we know that God is sovereign. Putting aside the blatant inconsistencies of the left, such as “if Trump had been a Democrat, this wouldn’t have happened,” why would God allow this sentence to go ahead, ignoring the Epstein list and the Biden family’s alleged crimes (both of which are worse than Trump’s accusations)? There are three possible reasons:
Actions have consequences. Like all of us, the choices Donald Trump made early in life have consequences that expose his past dealings. But the banana republic of America is acting like the Pharisees whom Jesus criticized as “blind guides, who strain out the gnats and swallow the camels” (Matthew 23:24). Jesus criticized them because they focused on unimportant details while ignoring what really matters. As Christians, we forgive people and allow them to move on. As for the criticism of Trump’s “character,” many of us realize that we are electing a Commander in Chief, not a Commander in Chief. I can say without reservation that his personal character is not as important to me as the Left’s approval of the murder of unborn children, allowing men into women’s locker rooms, and turning a blind eye to child trafficking.
How fooled are we if murder and the exploitation of innocent people are no big deal, but Trump’s character is? At least let’s be consistent. As you sow, so will you reap, but many sow into the wind and reap the storms of God’s judgment. Surely America will be held accountable for its corrupt politicians and ungodly laws on both sides of the political aisle.
2. Clear lines are drawn
Through events like these, God is revealing who people and churches are and what they stand for. Trump is hated not because of who he is, but because of what he stands for. He is a destructive force. To those who oppose Trump: If the abortion industry, George Soros, most of the media, and Hollywood are on your side, are you sure you are on the right side? Sadly, many churches have become weak and woke. We have produced a generation that seeks teachers that tickle their ears rather than challenge their hearts (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3These teachers know nothing of the calling of Jeremiah, where the word of God was like a consuming fire and a crushing hammer (Gel. 23:29Instead, they prophesy good things and encourage sin, which people love to do (Isa. 30:10).
A catalyst for real change
To see real change, we need our pulpits to once again burn with righteousness and tongues of fire calling for repentance. “Holy pastors are fearsome weapons in the hands of God” (Robert McCain). America’s liberal churches and pastors are leading people straight to hell. Not because they don’t support Trump, but because they don’t support the gospel and its call to repent from sexual sin and arrogance. These liberal churches are failing to lead people to God. Boundaries are being drawn and true character is being revealed. When the vessel is struck, the contents overflow, and what overflows stinks to God’s nostrils.
3. The things many people trust are being put to the test
I shudder when I see posts comparing Trump to Jesus and worry about the millions of people who see him as their savior. I understand their frustration with America, but we must turn to God and fan the flames of personal revival. “Only when the whole soul is captured by the passion of prayer can the life-giving fire descend, for only the earnest can reach God’s ear” (E.M. Bounds). We need to go back to the old ways. “Where are yesterday’s altars of prayer? Where are the saints who love to linger before God? Where are the tears, the cries, the intercession for lost souls? The church needs to wake up!” (Gene Easley).
Our prayer should be: “Oh Lord, we need fire again. Start with me!”
Let me be clear: this is a plea for total submission to Christ. Christ is the only medicine for our messes, the only anchor to calm our storms, the only hope for those who are hurting. Church, we must humble ourselves before God will do so.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Joe Raedle/Staff
The views expressed in this commentary are not necessarily Crosswalk Headlines.
Shane Idleman Founder and Senior Pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship Southern California and WCF Radio NetworkPlease see below for details. Shane IdlemanHis e-books are available for free download below. Click here for detailsVisiting him Facebook and twitterSubscribe to his new podcast. Idolman UnpluggedYou can also follow Pastor Shane on the Free Speech Platform parlor.
