FOR PASTORS WHO’VE PILED ON THE PRESIDENT

It's interesting and sad, to see pastors—men otherwise Scripturally informed, spiritually minded, and sensible—“piling on” President Trump along with the mainstream media, the Democratic Party, and other liberals and leftists. I do not question their sincerity or “right” to do it, but I think they’re wrong to use their position, behind pulpits or otherwise, to do it; wrong where the good of our country is concerned and where their calling is concerned. Here are some things I think preachers should consider:

Clinton, the Bushes, Obama, Biden, and most of the presidents preceding Trump openly and often professed to be Christians and church members, etc. while in real life and in real time, they weren't within a thousand miles of having a truly Christian testimony. (See the New Testament and read some presidential biographies).

President Trump, as far as I know, hasn't made any such public profession of faith as have many of his predecessors. He appears to be at least, a seeker such as Cornelius (Acts 10) and others were; he may fit into the category of someone “not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). Sin, moral failure, etc. has definitely been part of his life as an unbeliever, but probably no more so than presidents before him who have professed to be believers.

Until the recent advent of the internet, the sin and moral faults of Presidents have been largely kept from the public eye, and the media hasn't had the means to perpetrate the political skulduggery and propaganda that it does now. But President Trump lives at a time when, (1) the opportunities to scrutinize and publicly slander a president have never been greater, and when (2) the mainstream media has never been more biased, corrupt and determined to destroy a President than it is now. Add to this that no president in history has been more hated and feared by people with legitimate fear of being exposed by this administration, and cast out of office and/or into prison for their crimes.

Perhaps President Trump, like all his predecessors, will at some point in time, pursue a policy or go down some path politically that will be a disappointment to some. At this point it can be safely said that no other president has demonstrated more love of country, more courage or competency or more self-sacrifice in serving the best interests of Americans than has Mr. Trump. Neither has any President shown more determination to achieve world peace and avoid war than Trump.

I think Christians in general, before piling on our President need to ask themselves how frequently and fervently they've prayed for him. Relative to preachers, I think it represents a misguided attempt at virtue signaling (that is anything but virtuous), when they pile on our President. I don't think it's a spiritual, sensible or smart thing to do—especially now, as our nation hovers on the edge of a well-deserved demise with radicalized enemies within who have never been more numerous, vicious, and determined to destroy America. I think Christ, our churches and our country are best served by pastors who pray for President Trump rather than pile on him. It’s impossible to do both.