There’s no other way to put it: the thought of another Trump presidency brings to mind much like what was experienced in 2016-2020: a chaotic roller coaster ride of racism, sexism, and class warfare. Back in November 2016, I wrote how one of the most disturbing things I heard was an explanation by an African American pastor of why Trump won. He boldly declared that God allowed Trump to win and added that Trump being “raised up” was much like God used Nebuchadnezzar to stir God’s people to return back to Him. My question is have people become more Christ-centered or become more self-centered? I personally have seen more instances of selfishness.
As we are near the end of another presidential campaign and the “most important election of our lives,” I still say STOP LYING ON GOD and twisting the truth of God’s word! Nebuchadnezzar is a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and arrogance. Daniel 5:19 explains: “…because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.”
It is true that the bible is full of many instances when God used flawed people to achieve his purpose: David was an adulterer, Rahab was a prostitute, and Peter had anger management problems. It is also true that God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to rule but I doubt that God’s original and perfect plan was to bring his children into captivity in Babylon. Captivity occurred because of disobedience. Ezra 5:12 says “But because our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.” The first Trump presidency was not necessarily God’s perfect will; it might be better stated as part of God’s permissive will.
Whether your motivation to vote is because of women’s rights, abortion, support for Israel, or the economy, there is no scripture to justify voting for a man who is an unrepentant liar who incited an insurrection in an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power. The sad part is that some have perverted scriptures to justify what Pastor William Barber of North Carolina called a morally and “theologically bankrupt” vote for Trump. This is similar to those who twisted scripture to defend the morally corrupt system of slavery and segregation.
Now, some of the most disturbing things I’ve heard recently are from various undecided voters who are unsure who they should vote for in this year’s presidential election. Huh????. How after 4 years of a record-high stock market and record-low unemployment numbers are some willing to support a man who presided over a weak response to a pandemic that led to over 225,000 deaths?
God will hold accountable those Christians who continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the inflammatory rhetoric of Trump and do not embrace the truth of Matthew 12:33 which reminds us that to “…love your neighbor … is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” In other words, no religious practice/belief or political affiliation should be more important than showing love and kindness to others. Voting for a bigot like Trump is not how you show the love of Christ to others.
Shewanda Riley is the author of the Essence best-seller “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose after a Relationship ends.” She can be reached at lovehangover@juno.com, or on twitter @shewanda.