Hillary Clinton is worrisome to many Christians and non-Christians alike. She seems to change positions on issues more often than she changes pant suits. She has flip flopped so many times that there is a permanent divot in our perceptions of her. Whether you are Christian or not, we can all agree that Hillary Clinton frequently lies un-apologetically. This leaves many Christians holding their heads in sadness and worry, both for Clinton and for the slippage of societal values that allows her to maintain a leadership position.
As Christians, we are often asked how we can reconcile the changing world with Christianity, as though the fact that Christian values are portrayed as less popular is somehow proof that God does not exist in the world, or that He has no plan. But as Christians, we know God does have a plan, and we can see it unfolding exactly as He foretold. In fact, if we didn’t see the Hillary Clintons of the world, or the popular shift toward secular values in today’s society, we’d probably wonder what was going on. It is precisely because we do witness leadership examples like Clinton that we know God’s plan is unfolding on schedule.
In 2nd Timothy (and many many similar passages in the bible), we are reminded, “that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power…”.
The Christian response to Hillary Clinton hasn’t changed. Despite her choices, she is endowed by our creator with human dignity. Look hard and you will see the image of Christ in her, as He exists in all people. Although it might be tempting to run to your Facebook pages and vilify Clinton for her latest attack against Christian values, the Christian response is one of love and forgiveness.
Although we may not agree with some of Clinton’s decisions, we cannot be tempted to do evil–in response to evil, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (undoubtedly inspired by Mathew 12:26) said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The Christian response to Clinton should be a loving response, never a personal attack, because attacking her is attacking the image if Christ that exists within her.
The Christian voice is the voice of charity, encouragement, forgiveness, and love. Forever in the Christian mouth is a prayer to God–prayers for peace, love, comfort, forgiveness, guidance, thanks, praise, mercy, and intonations for every day’s most quiet need. Pray for justice, but be forever mindful that God does have a plan. It’s clear that it is unfolding. Have faith. Don’t allow Hillary Clinton and those like her to lead you to despair. Keep your faith alive in love and merciful forgiveness. The test of your character isn’t how you respond to those with whom you agree, it is in how you respond to those that choose other paths.
Your duty is to follow Christ, to be a beacon that draws others out of nightfall. Never exchange darkness for darkness, but burn brightly with the fire of Christ in your heart.
Be at peace.