I want to say something carefully, because I believe God holds me accountable not just for what I do say, but for what I choose not to say. My calling is to shepherd the fellowship called The Vine Church: not every conversation online needs my voice, and I've made peace with that. Most of what happens on social media I can let pass. But there are moments where silence would be its own kind of statement.

Last night, the President of the United States posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting himself as Jesus Christ. He has since deleted it after significant backlash, including from many of his own supporters. This came after he posted a profanity-filled threat against a foreign nation on Easter Sunday last week - noting "praise allah".

Don't take this as political. I mean that. But I am a pastor, and I cannot look at any man positioning himself in the place of Christ and say nothing, and still tell you I take this calling seriously. Jesus is not imagery or a backdrop. The resurrection we just celebrated is the center of everything we believe, and no political figure (no matter the office) gets to wear that.

I take Matthew 12:36 personally (full confession, most of the time...mostly when I am engaging in divisive conversation). But I especially think about it before I post anything, before I preach anything, and before I decide to stay quiet. I believe I'll give an account one day for the things I didn't say just as much as the things I did say. This felt like one of those moments.

So here's what I'm asking: pray for President Trump. I don't say that sarcastically or just to say it. I mean, genuinely pray for him, that God would grant him repentance and the fear of the Lord. Pray for our country. And pray that God would raise up leaders at every level who understand they are not above the one who actually sits on the throne.

And be careful right now. Be careful what you believe, what you share, what you say, how you say things, and where your trust is sitting. I said it yesterday, it is easy to bend our spine to the culture especially in times like this, it is easy for our faith to attach itself to a political figure, a movement, or an outcome. Albeit, I didn't mention that normally it is quiet and not overtly obvious and we don't even notice it happening until something like this comes up and shakes us. Our hope is not in Washington, it never was, and never will be. Our trust belongs to a risen King who deserves our bended knee before Him.

Love you, fam. Keep your eyes on Jesus and see the things of this world with a Biblical worldview. You are sent!

Grace & peace,

TW

3 John 2