Sadly, many in the body of Christ today are being motivated by this fear. They appear to see this election as the linchpin to the future of the world, to the point that a move of God is virtually tied to a single candidate. And with this fear comes a very subtle deception that brings one of the biggest threats we face today. It is an almost pervasive yet unspoken moratorium on political dissent, or any statement viewed as potential criticism, no matter how truthful or constructive it may be. Such a moratorium on free speech is extremely dangerous. We must never cease to boldly speak out about what is right and wrong, or we risk ceasing to be salt and light.

Admittedly, I have witnessed over the decades the repeated dismissal of Christian principles while Christian votes are simultaneously taken for granted. I even witnessed this from within the party as an elected member of the Republican National Committee. I have encountered the repetitive taunting of politicians silently declaring, “Watch us stab you in the back because where else are you going to go?” The proverbial can continues to be kicked down the road as we win battle after battle elections, while losing the war the morality of our nation. So, where does that leave us? Quite simply, all the more, we MUST continue to be the squeaky wheel.😩

We must not let ourselves be silenced from speaking the truth out of fear. Jesus is Truth, and Christ is greater than any election. Yes, we earnestly pray to be spared from the bondage of a godless administration for another 4 years. But, equally as important, we must remain free to express our concerns. After all, a world where voicing concerns is deemed unacceptable is a world of dictatorial tyranny that disregards our unalienable rights of both free exercise and free speech. Do we really want to voluntarily succumb to such a world out of fear? And, if we do, have we not already lost?

While Trump is not a Pharaoh, nor a King, nor an Emperor, the following examples can still be helpful reminders. He should seek people around him like those Joseph advised Pharoah to find. “Now, therefore, let Pharoah select a discerning and wise man.” He needs people who care enough to speak as candidly as Daniel did to Nebuchadnezzar, “So, my king, please accept my advice. I advise you to stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to poor people.” I am not saying that Trump needs to stop sinning, nor am I saying that he hasn’t been kind to the poor. What I am saying is that when any leader selects advisors whose ultimate goals are their own personal gains, such advisors will always agree or tickle ears, rather than speak the truth, which is why such advisors are worthless.

So, for those interested, here is my practical advice, for what it is worth. We must NOT cease to point out when things aren’t godly. If a candidate is making wrong choices and we expose those choices, we are not responsible for the outcome by having pointed out the error. Rather, the candidate who made the misstep is the one responsible. Only by speaking out can we have any hope of assisting such a candidate from continuing further down a wrong path. Also, we must never allow the fear of reprisal to stop us from voicing our opinions. If we allow ourselves to be silenced from speaking the truth, then we have no hope of bringing accountability to the candidates for whom we pray.