I am writing this article on Friday, May 31, 2024. Less than 24 hours ago, a jury in New Your convicted the leading candidate for President of 34 felonies. He now awaits sentencing, scheduled for four days prior to his party's convention. That the conviction was politically motivated is hardly in dispute. The prosecuting attorney made it clear that he would do everything in his power to see the former President behind bars, then apparently proceeded to come up with a crime that would allow him to do so. The trial was held in an area in which the former President was loathed and despised, and the judge in the case made decision after decision that would limit the defense and help the prosecution.

The outrage that followed was as predictable as the predetermined outcome. To put it mildly, the people who are on the President's side were disappointed. In the few hours that have passed since the verdict was announced, people have been talking about everything from civil war to secession. The question we need to answer is "what is a Christian to do?" King David's observation in Psalms 39 is instructive:

I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence."

Psalms 39:1, NASB

Before we think about this statement, it will be helpful to remember who David was. First and foremost, he was a man after God's own heart. Second, he was a war hero - a man of incredible courage. He was one who never backed down from a necessary fight, but one who could be reasoned with when a fight was unnecessary. He was a man whom some of the greatest warriors that the world has ever seen - the mighty men of Israel - followed with undying loyalty. And third, he was writing with not only the wisdom of his vast experience, but also with the inspiration of the Almighty God.

Now think about what he was saying in this passage. He pointed out the need to guard his tongue while in the presence of the wicked. I believe he did this for two reasons: The first was stated - to keep from sinning. The second was implied - to not make himself an unnecessary target when in the presence of his enemies, so as not to give them any advantage over him.

So, how does this apply to the present situation? To start with, I am convinced that what was done is outrageous. The prosecution and conviction both appear to be motivated by sinful intent ranging from jealousy and hatred to the crippling of a political opponent. But bigger picture, I believe that the prosecution was engineered as a warning to average Americans who just want to see justice prevail. In other words, oppose us and you will find yourself in jail. In short, I believe that the current prosecution (as well as other events in the past several years) have been done to suppress any opposition by scaring people into thinking that if they say anything that they will be next.

So, what should a Christian do? Should we allow tyranny to win? I believe if we do that we will  lose the nation, so that's not a viable option. Do we revolt with some type of a civil war or series of secessions? I believe that this would also play into the hands of those who appear to have designed this evil plot to put down opposition once and for all. So, again, what is a Christian to do?

I think the first thing is to get ourselves under control before we respond. I believe that the opposition is so vast and so wicked that we need to be careful, perhaps to the point of being silent while in the presence of such apparent evil. But we are not without resources any more than King David. He prayed to God for His help and guidance. He kept the perspective that our lives are brief while here on earth, so we need to be thoughtful in our response to the wicked. And perhaps most importantly, he realized that there were times that action was required, but that this type of response had to be done in such a way as to not give the wicked the upper hand.

So this is what I am going to do. First, I am going to get my spiritual house in order, seeking forgiveness for my part in allowing these things to happen, and then making sure that my reliance is on God and His righteous judgments. Second, I a going to get my physical house in order by putting aside extra food and getting my finances under control. Third, I am going to pray for wisdom to know when to speak and act, and when to be silent and still. And fourth, I am going to trust in God because I am convinced this particular situation is too big for me to handle on my own. To sum it up, I will do what I can and let God handle the rest.

You will have to decide what is right for your situation, but let me encourage you to indeed give it serous thought. America has changed, and it may be too late to save her, but I am willing to at least try to do my part to try. And then, I believe we need to let God take care of everything else. He always has, you know, through every stage of time. And He always will. So trust in God and do the best you can. And do not worry, for God is still in control regardless of how bleak things may look at the present.