When the idea to write this article came to me, I immediately began to consider some of the negative feedback that I may receive from various people, especially the ones to whom I am close. To be perfectly honest, it was discussions that I had with two friends and relatives who provided me with the impetus to write what you are reading today. My objective in doing this piece is apolitical – it is neither an endorsement for the President nor is it an indictment of criticism.
First, as a Christian and citizen of this nation, I have both a moral and civic responsibility toward the wellbeing of our Commander-in-Chief, regardless of his agenda, policies, and method of communicating and executing his plans. As a private citizen, freethinker, and one who makes up his own mind about all issues of life, I am not held hostage by a liberal or conservative perspective of what is right for our culture and republic.
There were things and policies about President Obama’s tenure and administration that I personally disagreed with, as is the case with the present President. However, I did not fail to pray for President Obama during his time in office, as I will not be remiss in my duty for President Trump. Here are a few important reasons why I will continue to pray for Donald Trump:
He is the Leader of Our Nation
One of the primary reasons why I pray continually for President Donald Trump is because he is the leader of our nation, the Commander-in-Chief. Whether I voted for him or agree or disagree with his policies and practices is not the reason why I am obligated to pray for him. Mr. Trump is the constitutional and duly elected leader of our nation, and as such, he warrants both my respect and prayer. Regardless of how I might disagree and perhaps even detest some of his policies and practices, it is his position for which I must pray.
What He Does Has
an Effect on Me
Another major reason why President Trump is one of the people I continually pray for is simply because his decisions and policies will have an effect on me and every other American citizen. It does not matter whether you are black, brown, or white ethnically. It does not matter whether you are a liberal or conservative or even a Democrat or Republican. As an American, what President Trump does as the Commander-in-Chief will (for better or for worse) will have an effect on all of us to some degree. His recent decision to slap some tariffs on China to achieve a more balanced import and export trade deal concerning certain goods and items has already begun to have an effect. His decision to launch an offensive missile attack against certain strategic sites in Syria, as retaliation to the horrendous killing of hundreds of their own citizens by gas and chemical warfare, will have an effect on every American. At this point in my column today, I deem it very relevant and necessary to say that I whole-heartedly agree with the President’s decision to lay some tariffs on China, who have gone unopposed in their unfair trade balance with us, as well as their practice of stealing technological secrets and techniques from American companies that do business there. Furthermore, I think that he is doing the humane and right thing to launch some type of retaliatory missile attack against Syria for their murderous crime against humanity. This, of course, brings me to the final and perhaps the most compelling reason why I pray for President Donald Trump. From a biblical perspective and Christian worldview, this is the reason why everyone who claims or professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ should be committed to praying for President Donald Trump on a continual basis. Regardless of whether you voted for him or not or whether you are a liberal or conservative, a Democrat or Republican, or what your race might be, there is a divine decree that instructs and obligates us as Christians to pray for our civic leader.
What The Bible Says About Our Issue
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Everything that I have presented thus far, as to why I pray for President Donald Trump (as important as it might be), must be in a category of second or third in comparison to the biblical mandate revealed in the previous passage. When the Apostle Paul was inspired to write this and send it to his young protégé, Timothy, there was no such thing as a Democracy. Emperors, kings, and dictators were commonplace and all of them, without exception, were pagans, heathens, and idol worshippers.
The emperor and leader of the Roman Empire considered himself a god. Most of these men were brutal, cruel, and at times, antagonistic and persecutors of Christians. Nevertheless, in the midst of such a hostile and anti-Christian culture, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to instruct Timothy to pray for these wicked and cruel leaders. In light of this and the fact that the instructions given to Christians back then are just as relevant for us today, I will continue to pray for Donald Trump. If you are a Christian, it is your duty to do likewise.
