We can all probably agree that we haven’t been able to scroll through Facebook, read the front page of a newspaper, or watch five seconds of the news without seeing Donald Trump’s face. It is clear that much of the student body and faculty is shocked about the GOP presidential candidate’s growing ratings. All I have to do is take a walk through the cafeteria or down the halls of the BLC to hear the last ten things that Mr. Trump said. 

So what about that verse where Paul tells us “to give the adversary no occasion for slander” in 1 Timothy 5:14? Also, for those of you who may want to tell me that I took the verse out of context because it was addressed to young widows, I am aware. But I’m pretty sure that doesn’t disqualify non-widows from this command…

Anyway, I think I have a major sin to confess. I think many of us do.

While it is perfectly acceptable to respectfully address the reasons we may disagree with a presidential candidate, I have participated in and witnessed far too many conversations bashing Mr. Trump, among other presidential candidates. As a student body, we have crossed a dangerous line between disagreeing with and disrespecting a human being.

I know that many of us feel a need to inform and influence our social circles to vote for candidates whose platform reflects godly principles. I highly recommend that, and I absolutely love hearing conversations on campus that shed a biblical worldview upon cultural and political issues. However, I believe that, as Christians at a biblical university, our response to those we disagree with demands a paradigm shift. Rather than criticizing presidential candidates for comments that we deem stupid or unnecessary, perhaps we just need to take a moment to realize all the times that God could see our language as stupid and unnecessary.

So, what would this shift look like as we engage in political discussions? When we are frustrated with the lack of Christian morale in our current political landscape, our instinctive response should be to pray for those in authority. If we then desire to engage in political conversations, we should voice our beliefs in the same way that we desire to hear from our presidential candidates. Be aware of the facts. Listen to opposing viewpoints without trying to prove how the other side is dumb. Provide constructive solutions rather than wasted complaints. Not only will you be respected for these habits, but the Christian community as a whole may be better respected as well.

So please, next time you scroll through Facebook, read the front page of a newspaper, or watch five seconds of the news, pray for our country. Pray for God to work through each of our country’s political, economic, and business leaders. And, most of all, let’s start being a voice for the rest of the Christian community to do the same.