The president has inflicted unnecessary pain on American citizens through the use of tariffs, which is a tax on the people, and his administration’s assault on the federal workforce. President Donald Trump’s executive order “Restoring truth and sanity to American history” seeks to rewrite the history of America. Trump’s actions are inconsistent with the spirit of Jesus Christ and Easter. All authority is appointed by God — however, it does not mean our leaders govern with godly values.
Trump and his billionaire allies are slashing lifesaving programs, from HIV research funding to addiction treatment and mental health programs. The entire staff that administered the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has been cut. The program helps low-income households pay utility bills. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cutting $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks. These actions are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ and Easter.
Three characteristics of great leaders are humility, servant leadership and a demonstrated love for people. Jesus said in Mark 10:43: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” A servant leader is focused on building people and institutions up rather than tearing them down and sowing seeds of division. Retribution is not a virtue of Christ. President Abraham Lincoln was a servant leader who was able to give all Americans freedom by freeing enslaved people and helping transform our nation into a true democracy.
The greatest servant leader was Jesus Christ. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus stated, “For the son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many.” In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. Would Trump wash the feet of poor people? Jesus consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving others through feeding the hungry, healing the sick and engaging the poor. His willingness to die on the cross for the sins of humanity was the greatest demonstration of love. In 1 Corinthians 13, love is described as being patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
Sadly, the administration’s arrogance will lead to higher prices, inflation and a possible recession. Retirees and senior citizens living on fixed incomes nervously watch as their retirement accounts are being wiped out. As the market dropped last week, Trump went to play golf and posted on social media: “MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE,” and “ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!”
My mind immediately went to Herbert Spencer’s theory on the “survival of the fittest.” Spencer believed that the government should not interfere in social or economic matters. He is remembered for inspiring the ideology known as “social Darwinism”: roughly, the idea that the successful deserve their success while those who fail deserve their failure.
Leaders must show humility, empathy, compassion, wisdom and love for all citizens and especially those who are struggling. In Luke 15, Jesus shares a parable about a shepherd who has 100 sheep, and upon losing one, he leaves the other 99 to find the one. God cares about all of us — even the lost.
Political leaders have turned a blind eye to policies that will harm the poor. God reminds us that whatever you do unto the least of these, we also do unto him. Love is the key that unlocks the door and unifies all people. It is summed up in the Book of 1 John, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
The last few weeks have caused unnecessary anxiety, depression and shock for many of our citizens. In this season, God is working, and we must keep our eye on the prize — eternal life.
Perhaps Trump’s actions will cause citizens to depend on God, read the Scriptures, pray and repent. Trump may be Goliath in this story, but “we the people” are David. We know that the people will ultimately prevail if we stick together.
The following are suggestions to make it through these difficult days:
- All churches and citizens should pray for the president and our political leaders that God will give them wisdom to lead with compassion.
- Democrats and Republicans in Congress must reassert their power over the purse and taxation granted in the Constitution.
- All citizens must vote in local and federal elections to preserve democracy.
- If you lose your job during this realignment, do not despair. Trust that God will provide another opportunity. Seeking professional counseling is OK. Federally qualified community health centers cannot turn anyone away.
- All churches should develop outreach programs to help our senior citizens and those struggling.
Because Jesus Christ is risen, we have an opportunity to eternal life. Always keep God first and choose love over hate and good over evil.
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with intentionally inflicting pain on the American people and the world community uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
