The Bible never said that we should keep our faith “personal” and to yourself. Donald Trump is doing just that, I wish he would stop.
Trump claims to be a Christian and part of the Presbyterian Church. He has said that he is “very proud” of his faith. He also stated, “Believe me, if I run and I win, I will be the greatest representative of the Christians that they’ve had in a long time.” If he’s referring to the last seven years, he is not saying much.
I am glad he has faith, but I have not heard him say that faith is in Christ, though I know that he is implying it. I wish he would be more outspoken about His faith (especially when questioned) or not speak of it at all. I appreciate his recognition of his faith, but his faith isn’t the first thing people think of when they think of Trump.
The Bible is clear that we are to be quick to give an answer for the hope that is within; this means that we do not avoid questions about our faith. Rather we step into them quickly, and with passion, to give an account of the power of God in our life.
While I don’t believe that the Christian faith should be exploited for the sake of winning votes, I also don’t think it should be avoided for the sake of winning votes.
Watch this video and see how Trump handles questions about his love for the Bible. Do you think he’s avoiding talking about his faith or leaning into the opportunity?
In my opinion, that was a softball pitch. He could have easily said, “I love the Bible because I love Christ. Christ loved the Bible. I follow Him.”
Following Christ is a controversial faith issue, but “liking the Bible” is not nearly as controversial. A person can love the Bible and not be a Christ-follower.
The call of Christianity is not just to be a Bible-believing moralists, but be a person who lays down his or her agenda to embrace Christ as supreme in life. The Bible feeds our faith, but the Bible alone will not save us.
So here is my request to Trump, Huckabee, Carson, and Cruz: Please be ready to give an answer for the hope that (you say) is within you. If you truly believe in Christ as your Savior, don’t hide it.
While hiding it may seem like a good political play to get more votes, there is only one vote that counts in the end. Jesus was clear in Matt 10:33, “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father, who is in heaven.”
