A Tranquil Life?

Since the time of his election and even prior to it, President Donald Trump has been under close scrutiny and even under investigation for various claims that have been made against him. Many have voiced their opinions on his innocence or guilt through social media outlets and have been met both by those who agree with their assessment and by those who disagree. Sides have been taken, names have been called, relationships have been damaged, and until very recently no one knew what these investigations would show.

People, even Christians, can easily be captivated by scandalous stories which call for judgment on a public figure. In 1 Corinthians 4:5 gives instruction to those who wish to please God:

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”

This instruction comes as a response to Christians who were idolizing men and dividing over their opinions concerning which was better than the other. Some are imitating this behavior in nearly exact fashion, basing the respect that is given, or withheld, on whose name was checked on the ballot in the most recent election. Christians ought to move beyond these types of petty judgments, and instead continue serving Jesus by carrying on His mission, which He stated in Luke 19:10: to seek and save that which was lost.

1 Corinthians 9:22 shares Paul’s emphasis to that end and reminds Christians that every part of life should carry with it the gospel message for salvation to all who believe. Every Christian must make responsible use of the time God has given, especially concerning the opportunities He gives to persuade lost souls to obey the gospel (Colossians 4:5-6). Rather than loudly passing judgment on public figures and those who surround them, live a quiet and tranquil life that seeks only to win souls to the Lord Jesus (1 Timothy 2:1-4).