Some Christian leaders who support Donald Trump, while acknowledging his shortcomings, say that it is better to have “access” and “influence” with him than not. I’d add that it is better for Trump, too, as the billionaire businessman appears not to understand the first thing about Christianity or the gospel.
Some among us are even starting to suggest that Trump has in fact made a confession of faith or at least is on the path. Let’s hope and pray so. The proud Trump obviously would be a better man, and a better candidate and president, if he would bend the knee to Christ. But I think it’s fair to ask to see fruit in keeping with any claimed repentance before we embrace him as a brother in Jesus.
And though no one has asked for my opinion, we need to be doubly careful that we do not allow our understandable desire for a seat at the table to cause us to overlook or excuse things that we should not overlook or excuse. Let’s not give up our prophetic role in the culture. Better men and women than today’s evangelical leaders have traded their principles for political “access” and “influence.” Let’s not forget that once our principles are gone, our “access” will be meaningless from a Christian perspective.
And let’s distrust our motives a little bit. Let’s guard against Trump influencing us more than we influence him.
