Our faith calls us to a higher standard, not only in our personal lives but also in how we engage with leadership and governance. This sacred responsibility becomes all the more critical when we support leaders who may share our values and vision. As we look toward Donald Trump’s second term, we need to hold him—and ourselves—accountable to Christlikeness.
When President Trump was elected in 2016, many in the evangelical community rallied behind him, not because he was a perfect candidate, but because he championed causes important to us: the sanctity of life, religious freedom, the protection of Israel, to name a few. His first term accomplished much and for that, we are grateful. However, the Bible is clear that leadership is a sacred trust. Proverbs 29:2 declares, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Leaders are stewards of God’s authority, and with that stewardship comes the expectation of righteousness, justice and humility. We must hold our elected leaders—including those we support—responsible to govern in a manner that brings rejoicing rather than groaning.
President Trump’s leadership style has been a double-edged sword. His boldness and resolve have been assets in an era when global leadership fades in fear of social media’s reliably overheated and irrational heckler’s veto. Yet, his rhetoric, demeanor and occasional lapses in humility sometimes have distracted from his message. In his second term, let us pray for and encourage him to lead not only with strength but also with all of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Gal. 5:22-23).
Accountability begins with prayer. Praying for President Trump is not optional; it is essential. We must intercede for his wisdom, character and decision-making, asking God to guide all elected leaders at every level of government in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Beyond prayer, accountability requires us to speak truth in love. As supporters of President Trump, we are not his enemies, nor are we blind followers. Supporting means honesty, and if his actions or words on a given day should happen to fall short of the Christlike standard, we must lovingly but firmly call him to a higher way.
This accountability must extend to policies as well. While President Trump’s first term saw significant victories for religious freedom, the pro-life movement and the judiciary, there is still much work to be done. A second term needs wise policies and faithful action guided by compassion and unity in ways that reflect the heart of God. Issues such as immigration, our nation’s foreign policy and care for the poor demand a biblical approach that balances law and order with mercy and grace.
We must hold ourselves accountable as the body of Christ. Supporting a political leader is not a substitute for living out the gospel. Our witness must remain rooted in love, humility and truth, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office. It is still important that we avoid any temptation to conflate the kingdom of God with any political agenda, remembering that we first seek Christ in all our plans and ways and trust in Him to guide us on His path.
The evangelical community’s support for President Trump has often been misunderstood and caricatured by most corners of the media establishment. Yet, we can acknowledge also that some criticisms are not unfounded if someone overlooks or excuses behavior that is not in line with faith for the sake of political expediency. We can risk damaging not just our credibility, but moreso our witness. Our actions and words must reflect the character of the One we serve.
President Trump’s reelection is an opportunity to leave a legacy that transcends politics. We should encourage him to focus not just on policy achievements but also an atmosphere of respect, civility, citizenship and unity. As followers of Christ, we must model these values and urge our leaders to do the same.
Our responsibility is not merely to support leaders who share our values but to hold them accountable to those values. President Trump’s second term for both him and us is a chance to reflect more fully the character of Christ. Let us commit to prayer and a steadfast witness that honors God above all. We can help ensure that his leadership is marked not only by strength and conviction but also by humility and grace, for the glory of God and the good of the nation.
Stephen Strang has seen major changes in the church, the culture and technology since he founded Charisma magazine in 1975. In addition to being CEO of Charisma Media, he hosts a Strang Report podcast live on YouTube and Rumble at 4 p.m. EST every Tuesday and Thursday. His important recent book Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-World is available wherever fine Christian books are sold d including online at amazon.com.