Is Trump Chosen By God?

 

If you've been following my recent posts in my other blogs, you'll probably already know that Trump is not my favorite president. Yes, I'm biased, but I would yet like to explore this question: Is it possible that Trump has been chosen by God?

Another quick disclaimer: the main audience of this post are the members of my church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). The others of you are free to read along, but for this post I'm going to assume the readers already have a working understanding of my religion.

It's very clear that many Christians love Trump, as evidenced in the picture up top. Maybe this is because he's been mostly positive toward the Judeo-Christian religions. He's the very first president to visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem while in office. He has talked up religious freedoms. He has even reached out to Utah and our church members.

So, it can seem that Trump, though imperfect he is, was chosen by God in order to strengthen Christianity in general and help us all come closer to God. And I've had several indicate this to me on social media, concerned that my vote for Biden may usher in a wave of socialism that would destroy our Constitution, and fall under the devil's wishes.

First off, we should explore the question: "Does God even choose political leaders to lead us?"

Some people use Romans 13:1 to say that every single government leader in the world is chosen by God.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

A literal reading of this would have us believe that Hitler and Mussolini were chosen by God, as evidenced by the fact that they came into power. However, do any of us believe they were chosen by God? It seems to me that the verse written by Paul is being misinterpreted. Also, it wouldn't answer the original question, as Trump becomes no more special than any other leader ... (just like every month at Benihana is Manager Treat Month -- some of you will get this one -- "It's my treat").

If we include the Book of Mormon and D&C, I think we get a fuller picture on how God intends for our leaders to be chosen. Consider the following scriptures:

D&C 98:7-10

7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.

8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.

9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.

10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

Mosiah 29:25-26

25 Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord. 

26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. 

It seems clear to me from these verses that God intends for us to choose our own leaders. This is why our Constitution was formed, so that we can have the freedom to choose. And not only that, we can also be held accountable for our choices. If we choose a wise leader, we prosper; and if we choose a wicked leader ... Mosiah 29:27

27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.

In other words, I believe that God has allowed us, in the extension of the free will that we enjoy, to have full stewardship over the people we choose to lead us. So, God doesn't choose our president; we do.

Also consider from the New Testament when Jesus was asked about paying taxes. In Matthew 22:21, he answered: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

It already seems pretty clear ... the concept of the separation of church and state established millennia before the United States were formed. And again it appears that we have full reign on how we choose our leaders.

So, did God choose Trump, or Obama, or Reagan for that matter? The answer seems clear: No, he did not.

Every election cycle, our church puts out a statement to remind us ... the choice is ours. And almost always, they will include that bit from D&C 98:10 and paraphrase it like this: "Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest."

Here's a sample statement. 

Though, if you compare with the 2016 statement, that phrase was replaced with: "Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties, and members should seek candidates who best embody those principles." A funny playing down of the "wise, good, and honest" bit!

Coming back to the our current president, I know that some of you reading this have problems with Trump, but you voted for him anyway, which is more than okay. It's your right to vote. Some vote solely on policy and not the character of the candidate.

If you look at recent Utah voting history, Trump was voted in with the smallest of margins, winning only 45.5% of the vote compared with the next lowest of 62.6% for Bush Sr. in 1988. So, I know he isn't necessarily your most favorite conservative pick.

I, personally, have my own problems with Trump and the policies and actions he's taken in relation to the coronavirus, and everything else. I also do not think Trump is "wise, good, and honest." I do not think he exhibits the traits of leadership we're all taught in Sunday School. He isn't humble, nor compassionate to all of his constituents. And I think he is by far the most divisive president I've ever seen during my lifetime. But that's just me.

To end my post, I will try to leave you with something positive. 

Why in the world am I voting for Biden? Why not some 3rd party, like I did in 2016? Because ... something caught me off guard.

On the night of Super Tuesday, I decided to watch the celebratory speeches of Sanders and Biden. Sanders came first. And it was pure fire. It was scary. He was talking about how he was going to go after everyone and punish everyone. He wasn't humble. And even after losing so many states he talked about how he was still going to win and show Trump and the Republicans. I would actually prefer Trump over him.

And then I heard Biden, and it was like night and day. I saw humility. I saw energy, and I saw true concern and compassion toward ... everyone. He talked about how he was going to unite and heal the nation, and it hit me. This is exactly what our nation needs now. After years of divisive rhetoric, we need desperately to work together. And I think Biden could actually pull it off. Here's his speech if you feel so inclined to watch ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnE9kKeOyTg

So, give it all good thought. Who do you want to lead this country the next 4 years? It's not God's choice, as it's a decision he has given to us so we can practice our free agency. Whoever gets the most electoral votes will be our next president. The best you can do is vote, and do it proudly. Go and vote according to your conscious, and we'll see how it all comes out in the end.