This week a lot of the major news outlets shared concerns about the conservative presidential candidate’s fascist ideologies and his Obsession with power and control. Trump’s highest-ranking cabinet member retired General John Kelly warned about Trump’s fascist approach to leadership and his desire to be a dictator.
Kelly served as Trump’s Chief of Staff for half of Trump’s first presidency. He was once praised by Mr. Trump for his excellent leadership and brilliant mind, which now confirms what other advisors said about Trump’s disrespect for America’s military.
It’s no wonder why since other former military leaders who served Trump have also condemned the former president for his disrespect of our military and his anti-American rhetoric. I don’t need any other warnings about the conservative party’s evil ways and intent, because Mr. Trump has proudly displayed his anti-Christian attitude as long as he’s been in the news or in show business.
- Deception
- Greed
- Thirst for power
Now, to my friends and countrymen who say they want to vote policy over personality, I have a few things for you to consider. Our beliefs and character influence our actions and how we live. Actions speak louder than words. If you don’t care about Mr. Trump’s words, then you certainly should be concerned about his actions and crimes.
As the conservative party, we should support traditional and Christian values, all of our true Savior’s teachings, not just the ones we agree with (Matthew 28:16-20.) Jesus warned that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit and vice versa (Matthew 7:17-23.) When we turn from God’s way and Christian teachings to what we like, we have turned to the idols of this world.
What are idols?
Idols are more than just statues or symbols, Idols are the embodiment of what we love and devote ourselves to. An idol is defined as, “An object of extreme devotion, a symbol of an object of worship; a false God.”
Idols are of this world, not the kingdom of God; this world’s idols run the gauntlet from feelings and ideas to power and influence and especially pleasure. God’s people are called to be set apart from this world (Deuteronomy 14:2, Jeremiah 1:5, James 1:27.)
The first Adam bought the lie of Satan and turned to the idols of this world (Genesis 3:4-5 😉 the second Adam resisted Satan’s temptation and stayed true to God (Matthew 4:1-11.)
The New Testament writers warned about the idols of this world and living by the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:7, Galatians 4:8; 5:19-21, 1 John 5:21.) The Apostles remembered their Jewish education and warnings about the idols of this world.
‘Ělîl
The darkness of the ancient world was on full display as the world turned to the idols and temporary pleasures of this world. Some examples of ancient idols people worshiped were power, pleasure, revenge, wealth, and happiness.
None of which aren’t errantly bad, until they become our ultimate focus in life. The Hebrew word for idol using the Old Testament is ‘ĕlîl and it can also mean, “Worthless, image, a shepherd or false God,” depending on how the word is used.
I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the word for idol is similar to one of the names of God Elohim. These false gods take up places in God’s people’s heart and lead them astray. It’s no wonder God gave His people commands not to worship idols (Exodus 20:2-17.)
- You should have no other God before me.
- Do not make false gods.
- You shouldn’t take God’s name in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath.
- Honor your parents.
- Do not murder.
- Thou shall not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- You shouldn’t lie.
- Do not covet.
The concept of idol worship continues into the New Testament as the New Testament writers identify themselves as slaves of Jesus. This is a very Jewish way of saying they belong to and worship God alone.
Jesus taught His disciples that they could not serve two masters, they would hate one and love the other (Matthew 6:24-26.) When we give our lives to Jesus, we must turn from the worthless idols and ways of this corrupt world. That is a very basic Jewish teaching of loving God with all of our hearts and lives (Deuteronomy 6:5 Joshua 22:5.)
Jesus taught His followers that His kingdom is not of this world and its idols (John 18:36.) Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were focused on earthly things. After all, they did the works of their father and he isn’t Abraham (John 8:38-44.)
Israel
Less than 24 hours ago, Israel launched an attack against Iran for their attack earlier this month. I am not going to debate whether the response is justified or not, just look at it from a biblical historical perspective.
God’s people are called to be devoted to God and His ways and purposes (Leviticus 19:2, Deuteronomy 14:2,) we don’t get to follow the ways of this world or the idols of power and revenge.
God specifically told His people to trust Him and never seek revenge (Deuteronomy 32:35, Psalm 37:8-9.) When we take matters into our hands, we stop trusting God and trust in ourselves and the idols of this world.
The ancient world was obsessed with power and control, God’s way is humility and surrender to Him. When we cease to obey God, we stop being different from the corrupt world we live in. We need to be more like God and less like the world.
- Humble
- Compassionate
- Loving
- Long-suffering
When God’s people decide to use force to seek their will and pursuits, they are more like the world and less like God. When God’s people cannot be more focused on their selfish ways than being like God, we have to turn to idols.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “If there is anything you would not give up for God—it is your idol.” As I write this Mr. Trump and his followers are at Madison Square Garden campaigning on their anti-American and anti-Christian agendas.
When God’s people threaten violence and revenge, they no longer serve God, just their selfish desires that have become their ‘ĕlîls!
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