It has been fascinating to watch recent events surrounding the Easter holiday and the declarations of the Gospel from President Trump.  As expected, responses demonstrate a range of perspectives.  On the one hand, many Christians have a deep appreciation that the President is supporting Christians by claiming solidarity with them and the message of Christ’s resurrection.  On the other hand, there are those who predictably suggest that there should be “separation of church and state” and the President’s message is inappropriate (continuing to misinterpret the role of faith in government affairs).

An Administration Openly Christian

Another interesting development is the appointment of high-ranking officials who are openly Christian in their beliefs and often include statements of their faith in official appearances.  Characterized as “Christian nationalists,” left-wing adherents in public office and the media suggest that this will mean the death of free speech and renewed efforts at dismantling government institutions (though it’s not clear why government institutions are considered sacred by these critics).  They conveniently ignore that the President’s new task force is focused on protecting religious freedom for all religions is tasked to push back against all anti-religious bias.  The critics also conveniently ignore the previous administration’s direct attack on Christian liberty in particular, which is why the Trump administration specifically points to a need to reverse “anti-Christian” bias.

Beyond these developments, the week of Easter demonstrated a commitment of President Trump and his administration to encourage Christian leaders and allow more open access to the President.  One event which demonstrated this was the Easter prayer service, in which Christian leaders surrounded the President and his team with prayer and support.  During this meeting President Trump declared the Gospel in succinct and direct terms, celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ with clarity and force.  Throughout the week the President posted similar message on social media, in videos, and in speeches.

In addition, videos have surfaced recently showing a prayer team within the White House spending time in prayer before events and speeches.  In another video, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a prayer before a press briefing, asking for “strength, knowledge, and ability” to communicate clearly.  The presence of these people, and the openness of their faith, is a clear indication that things are changing, and have changed, regarding the expression of Christian values in the highest levels of the federal government.

President Trump has been clear, since the attempted assassination in Butler, that he believes that God saved him for the purpose of saving the country.  He has said that his faith has deepened, and it’s not hard to see the truth in this statement as he moves forward each day with great confidence and purpose. 

No Need To Wait For Revival?

But does this mean that Christians can now sit back and wait for the revival?  After all, if Christianity is now entrenched in the highest offices, doesn’t that mean everything will work out after all?

The short answer is “no.”  We must not fall into complacency.  Each of us must continue to be engaged.  The enemies of Christian truth are not taking a break, whether they are spiritual enemies or political enemies.  It does not take long in perusing the news headlines to notice that the battle rages on all fronts.  The positive developments coming from the White House are attacked on every side, every day, in every way possible.

Pray.  Be active in your local community and personal relationships.  Local politics and school board meetings are important, but not everyone can engage at that level.  However, each of us can pray.  Each of us can discuss current events with friends and family.  Each of us can protect the truth, even as lies swirl around us.  We have an unprecedented opportunity to find the truth and promote the truth.  Each of us can be part of this process.

And, ultimately, each of us can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a needy world.  We can join our President and his team by being bold in our Christian witness.