Media outlets deemed the events of January 6, 2021 “unprecedented,” and by definition they were.
American citizens violently and illegally stormed not only a federal building but the U.S. Capitol, one of the greatest symbols of our democracy. They shattered glass windows, vandalized offices, and endangered the lives of many members of Congress, law enforcement, and others. Sadly, four people died.
The sea of MAGA hats and Trump signs overtaking Capitol grounds was shocking.
Watching them climb up walls and smile as they waved flags from the inauguration stage was unsettling.
And the yelling and cursing at police, angrily calling them traitors while they themselves behaved completely unpatriotic was bewildering.
Yet, as surreal as Wednesday’s events were, none of it was surprising. What did stand out to me though was contradiction.
Not American flags draped across American citizens’ bodies who were yelling “USA” as they vandalized the U.S. Capitol. Not the fact that the U.S. President who constantly promotes protecting this country’s greatness incited a mob to endanger the fundamentals of democracy.
What caught my eye were the many proudly raised signs like the one below:
Photo source: The Telegraph
Of course, these aren’t new. Neither are other “Christians for Trump” declarations.
But how can you eagerly hold up a sign declaring Christ while you violently and illegally overtake the U.S. Capitol or watch as those around you do so?
How can you profess Christianity while cursing and flipping off law enforcement?
More important, how can you proudly wave a flag affirming Christ and someone who has time and time again shown that their character and behavior do not uphold His principles?
I have been disheartened by the immense discord and division this “Trump era” has brought to our nation, but how this man has affected the behavior of some of our Christian brothers and sisters has been even more disturbing. And it has led me to think about allegiance.
As Americans, we pledge allegiance—loyalty and commitment—to our flag, and as Christians we are to make the same pledge (and even further since we surrender our lives) to Christ and His ways. But, sadly, some of us seem to have forgotten this over the past four years.
“The image of Jesus in a lot of white evangelical conservative Christianity has been conformed to the image of Donald Trump himself: full of violence, power, hoarding, name calling, violently taking what you want and engaging with power and privilege,” said Reclaiming My Theology podcast host Brandi Miller in an article on Sojourners.
I think Brandi is spot on.
I’m not saying that any Christian who supports Donald Trump is in error, of course. But allowing the fervor with which some of us Christians have supported Trump and his every word, MAGA, and the Republican Party to develop to the extent that supporting has turned violent, mean spirited, and derogatory is the issue.
As a Christian, if I feel so strongly about a political candidate winning an election that I support using violence, force, illegal activities, and crude and racist rhetoric I must begin to question my allegiance.
We cannot claim to defend and advocate for biblical principles while also zealously supporting people and actions that do the opposite. I mean my goodness; some of these “Christians for Trump” saints go so hard for 45 like he is the one who died for their sins.
Yet, Exodus 20:4 commands us to not make an idol out of any person or thing. This includes Trump, Biden, the American flag, the RNC, DNC, fake news, social justice, BLM . . . and every cause, issue, and debate in between.
There is nothing wrong with supporting your political party or candidate, but a word of caution saints:
Do not uplift the leader you believe was chosen higher than the one you claim sent them.
The world may put its hope in politics and government leaders, but we are supposed to be set apart.
Whether political ideologies, promising candidates, constitutional freedoms, or changing legislation, every single worldly solution is broken.
And there is only one Savior.
Let’s remember that he doesn’t lean right or left.
Very well said! Thank you for your call to the allegiance to our Lord and Savior for whose Kingdom we stands.
What a timely Word as well. I just read this passage in one of my devotionals the other day. You are spot on my dear daughter!!!!!
How do we know if our first allegiance is to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Continual prayer offered from a humble heart is evidence of our loyalty to the Lord. We bow our heads and hearts in confession and repentance of sin. What Holy Scripture defines as sin we call sin. People who claim rights while causing damage to the culture are denied their right to do wrong. Without behavioral boundaries we behave badly. Where we dilute truth—evil corrupts our communities. Allegiance to God adheres to righteous standards defined by God. Nations who bow down will stand strong!