Today is Tuesday and we are only one week away from ‘Election Day.’ Although, this is a different year, and according to news reports, we have had incredibly large early turnout at voting locations across the country. Still, the big day – decision day – is one week away.
Last week I felt good about a blue wave coming and that we will have a new president soon. But I have to tell you I am starting to feel a dread coming over me now. I’m getting pretty nervous about the result next week. I know there is a huge Trump contingency out there and it is still beyond my comprehension why. As I type this right now I have a lump in my throat and tears on the verge of coming.
There are so many reasons why I am feeling sadness and worry right now. But, I think the biggest one is the disappointment I feel when it comes to Christians, those who know the Word and try to live by the teachings of Jesus. I can’t help but wonder how so many justify voting for Trump. The Christian message is clearly to love your neighbor and To take care of the needy, the poor, those different from you, and to give freely. All we have Been given our gifts from God, the creator. Given to us to use for His purpose. I know my Lutheran doctrine teaches me to respond to God’s gifts of mercy, His grace, and his offering of eternal life, by spreading His word – and by living as an example of His message. Do other Christian denominations teach this too? I think they do.
If so, then HOW can a Christian voter find Trump as the better choice?
Now I know we all sin, and it is up to each individual to reconcile with God. Maybe Trump does that – but I doubt it. This morning on Facebook I saw a quote about forgiving past sins, and yes we all have sinned. The quote was about forgiving Trump for his adultery, and his misuse of money, and his lying. Because… we all sin. But, recognizing being sinful also means repenting and then trying to change the behavior. There is nothing that I see from Trump that shows he has changed his heart, his ways, and his language. In fact as we get into these final days his rhetoric has been as bad as ever. Words matter. Actions matter.
Christian voters for Trump – Please, enlighten me. Because I really feel disappointed by you – I am sorry but I do.
I wear a symbol of my Christianity around my neck every day. I have a cross on a necklace and it is a reminder to me that I am a follower of Christ. People see it on me. It is a reminder to me that I represent how He wants me to behave, and not as a burden, but instead to show how God’s love has made me who I am. What I have is His. It’s freeing to have this faith. It helps me take selfishness away.
We are all on our personal journey with God, as we go through this time of Trump. But, let me ask a few questions to ponder:
Do you think Trump pleases God with his words?
Do you think Trump cares about religion except for how it makes him look?
Do you think Trump uses his faith in decision making?
I believe in the separation of church and state because here in America everyone has the freedom to worship as they please, without persecution. I believe that religion should not be forced on anyone. Government does not have the right to pick one religion over another. They can not use their power over any church unless they are breaking the laws of the land. It was certainly an important reason that the settlers came to America from other countries.
We Christians are fortunate to live here. But we need to be true to who we are.
Four years of Trump has not changed my mind about our president. In fact every single day of his term has made my heart hurt with his tweets and his words of meanness. And all the lying!! ALL THE LYING.
Issues matter – yes, I know. And, normally, we voters could decide on those things that we support or don’t. Trump voters say that all the time. But this Election Day is about much more.
Christians: as a follower of Jesus Christ I hope you vote for goodness, and fairness, and honesty, and integrity. Vote for your neighbor. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Marla’s Musings 