Have we as a society, and even worse, as the church, lost our ability to discern right from wrong when politics are involved? Aside from our collective acceptance of corruption within once trusted institutions, there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to public figures. I have noticed a trend in some corners of Christendom where bad behavior is excused for those who entertain us, false teachers who tickle ears get away with duplicitous lifestyles and our favorite politicians get a pass for egregious behavior as long as they support a favorite cause.
By my observation, many people I observe on social media display one of two positions when it comes to President Donald Trump: Trump Derangement Syndrome or Trump Devotion Syndrome. Those suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome will condemn Donald Trump no matter what position he takes. For instance, no one on the Democrat side of politics was calling for the release of the Epstein Files until Trump decided the Epstein Files were a hoax. When Trump endorsed the COVID vax, liberals decried it as the Trump vax and determined to avoid it like the plague. Once Joe Biden endorsed the vax and condemned those who refused to take it, suddenly it was heralded as the greatest medical breakthrough since the Polio shot.
Trump Devotion Syndrome is equally perplexing and dangerous to society. I was disgusted when I saw the image President Trump posted depicting himself as Jesus Christ. I am appalled at the number of professing followers of Christ who are giving Trump a pass or making excuses for the inexcusable. People I admire and respect are justifying the unjustifiable, which concerns me greatly. Some people I follow on social media, of whom I have no doubt love the Lord and are genuine believers, have surprised me with their level of Trump Devotion Syndrome.
Imagine for just a moment, if Joe Biden or Hilary Clinton posted an image of themself depicted as Jesus, the outrage would have been deafening among conservative Christians, yet Trump does it and somehow, it's really not all that bad. The fact conservative Christians can attempt to explain away Trump's worst behavior and statements is indicative of a much bigger problem plaguing the church: the death of discernment.
President Trump's explanation for posting the picture does not pass the smell test. A guy smart enough to become a billionaire and operate as the leader of the free world must know the difference between a picture of a doctor and a picture of Jesus Christ. As one podcaster stated, "Either he blasphemed Christ, took it down and lied about it or he blasphemed Christ, and was too stupid to realize it." I have to believe the former is true.
This incident has been a bit of a wakeup call for me personally and has caused me to be more introspective of how I view the behavior of those I admire in the public eye. I will be making a conscious effort to celebrate the good of and not make excuses for those I admire. I hope this little rant at least provokes some thought and introspection in others.
Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
