A White House Faith Office?

A few years ago I read several commentaries written by a man name Dale Ralph Davis. Throughout the study of Judges, when a lot was happening for the people of God (and not all of it “looked” righteous or holy) he would remind his readers to read the text and ask, “What is God doing?”

Though it is not always easy to answer that question, the teaching left a lasting impression so that the Lord frequently reminds me to ask that question. I have asked it regarding elections. I have asked it regarding abortion “laws.” I have asked it regarding young people who are terminally ill.

Most recently, I have asked it regarding President Trump’s forming the “Office of Faith” and appointing a woman to lead it whose Christianity is (let’s just call it) “different than mine.” I have not paid close attention to her so I do not know whether she is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ or not. But, the formation of the office and her appointment has me asking, “What is God doing?”

I see two glaring problems. First, we need to ask whether or not this is even an appropriate “Office” for the federal government to open. I think not. It will supposedly be a “task force combatting anti-Christian sentiment.” The problem with this is that President Trump has this in mind but what if the next President wants to promote the religions that practice anti-Christian sentiment? (This is also a problem with Executive Orders but that is another matter).

Another problem, and perhaps more telling about how “Christian” this office is, is the choice of a woman to head it. I know the feminists will not like this but the Apostle Paul was not the first one to suggest that women should not lead over the Church. There is plenty of work women can do, but this kind of leadership seems inappropriate according to Isaiah 3: 8-13.

Please read these verses knowing that God is the same yesterday, today and forever unlike the corrupt government of man.  He is dealing with His people now as He always has.

For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him. My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths. The LORD has taken his place to contend; he stands to judge peoples.

(Isaiah 3:8-13) 

In His judgment of His own people (both righteous or unrighteous), God sends leaders. Women are a sign that the judgment is not on what a good job we’ve done but how our own speech and deeds have been against the LORD, “defying His glorious presence.”

I am one of those who believe that, with President Trump in office, Christians of the USA will be free to worship and glorify God for at least four years. I am grateful for his bravery in exposing the wickedness in waste of our taxes and the corruption of the system we live under.

I also know that it is God, in His sovereignty over all, who will guide him even if he is unaware. That, in and of itself, keeps me asking, “What is God doing?”

The “Faith Office” is adding another bureaucratic layer to an area of life over which it should have no jurisdiction. God is clearly trying to show us something. What is it?

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1