https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/us/politics/desantis-haley-debate-trump-town-hall.html

My fellow believers, the political squabbling depicted in the New York Times' article on the Haley-DeSantis debate and Trump's town hall event reveals a sinful seduction of division that is festering within not just the political arena, but within our genteel society. The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians against such divisions saying, "for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3 NKJV). Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis engaged in what the secular world calls "verbal combat," a display that stands in stark contrast to the values we uphold. Their failure to focus on crafting a vision that is biblically aligned, choosing instead to cast accusations and foster disunity, speaks to a loss of the Christian pillar of brotherly love (1 Peter 2:17). To see two individuals, who profess conservative values, engage in rhetoric that mirrors the chaos of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) rather than the unity of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) is disheartening. Despite their actions, we must remember in the Christian faith, there is guidance for every leader in Proverbs 29:4, "The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it." We should be reminded not to seek leaders who indulge in lies and deception, but in truth and righteousness. Donald J. Trump's solo town hall, which is portrayed as him "basking in the applause," should be seen as an affirmation that even when faced with silence from his competitors, a true leader stands firm. As Daniel was in the lion's den (Daniel 6), so is Trump amongst his political adversaries – unscathed and resilient. We are positioned in an era where a return to biblical principles in our governance is not just needed, but essential. Our nation's pendulum has swung too far into the darkness of sin with the persecution of Christian values, the celebration of abortion, and the removal of God from the public square. Mr. Trump's tenure saw the appointment of conservative justices who have displayed courage in rolling back the sin of Roe v. Wade, an act that ought to be heralded as a divine intervention, and a return to the sanctity of life as described in Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." Yet, adversaries scoff and wave the banner of 'abortion rights', aligning themselves more closely with Herod's massacre of the innocents (Matthew 2:16) than with God's commandments. Trump's supposed 'tap-dancing' on abortion should not be misconstrued as indecision, but a strategic navigation of a fallen world while aiming to restore a culture of life. In closing, we must discern the politics of the day through the unchanging truth of Scripture. Let us pray for our leaders, that they may embody the virtues of Christ-centered governance and remember that "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34 NKJV). We must, as a Christian nation, align ourselves with those who champion godly principles, and that is why many see Donald J. Trump as a beacon in these confusing times. Let us not lose hope nor be led astray, but hold steadfast to the truth delivered to us through God's holy Word.