As Christians, we are called to approach leadership with a higher standard than the world’s expectations. Leadership, according to the Bible, is not about wielding power or promoting personal ambition; it is about servanthood. Jesus set the example when He said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Whether we are selecting local supervisors or the president of the United States, our decision should rest on how well a leader serves the people with humility, justice, and integrity.
In today’s political landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in personality or party affiliation. But we must remember that voting is about choosing policies that align with biblical principles, not about emotional attachment to a political figure or political party. When personality overshadows policy, leaders and political parties can become idols. This is dangerous for any society because it clouds judgment and leads people away from godly values. We don’t always have a clear picture to a candidates faith but then one’s faith is only completely clear to God as only He truly knows the heart.
Let’s take a closer look at two prominent figures, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and how their policies either reflect or deviate from biblical principles of servant leadership. This comparison will focus on the economy, immigration, world conflicts, and justice—areas where leadership can either uplift or harm a nation.
Donald Trump: Servant Leadership Through Policy
Donald Trump’s time in office was characterized by his direct and often controversial approach, but regardless of personal feelings about him, his policies had a clear focus: putting the American people first. Trump’s economic agenda, immigration policies, and foreign relations reflect a commitment to serving the nation, even in the face of significant opposition.
A Strong Economy: Serving the People by Empowering Businesses
One of Trump’s most impactful achievements was the strength of the U.S. economy during his presidency. Through tax cuts, deregulation, and promoting energy independence, Trump fostered an environment where businesses thrived, unemployment dropped, and wages increased. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lowered corporate taxes, allowing businesses to reinvest in their operations and employees. Critics claimed that the wealthy benefited most, but the reality is that a booming business sector leads to job creation and higher wages for workers. This approach is rooted in the biblical principle of stewardship—those who have much are called to use it wisely for the benefit of others. “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
Trump’s focus on energy independence also led to lower gas prices, benefiting working-class Americans the most. By increasing domestic energy production, he ensured that the U.S. was less reliant on foreign oil, stabilizing the economy and reducing energy costs. This is a far cry from the current administration, which has seen gas prices soar due to restrictive energy policies that undermine domestic production.
Biden-Harris Economy: Economic Decline and Inflation
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the economy has faced severe challenges, including the highest inflation rates in decades. Rising gas prices, supply chain disruptions, and increasing costs for basic goods have created financial hardship for millions of Americans. The following are examples of the cost-of-living increases between 2018 and 2023:
- Gasoline: 54-80% increase
- Eggs: 200% increase
- Milk: 45% increase
- Electricity: 20% increase
- Bread: 42% increase
- Ground Beef: 40% increase
- Used Cars: 35% increase
- New Cars: 37% increase
- Coffee: 53% increase
- Chicken: 57% increase
- Rent: 42% increase
- Health Insurance Premiums: 14.5% increase
- Airfare: 48% increase
- Bacon: 45% increase
- Movie Tickets: 43% increase
- Cereal: 48% increase
- Utilities (water and trash collection): 33% increase
- Smartphones: 20-40% increase
- Toilet Paper: 47% increase
- Public College Tuition: 16% increase
- Prescription Drugs: 17% increase
(sources provided at the end of the article)
While the pandemic certainly affected global economies, the policies of the Biden-Harris administration—such as massive government spending and increased regulations—have exacerbated economic woes. From a biblical perspective, leadership that leads to economic instability and increased suffering reflects poor stewardship. “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
Immigration and the Border Wall: Protecting the People
Trump’s immigration policies, including the construction of the border wall, have often been criticized, but his stance on immigration was rooted in the principle of law and order. The border wall was not designed to block legal immigration but to ensure that those entering the U.S. were vetted. Criminals, human traffickers, and drug smugglers had been exploiting the lack of border security, putting American lives at risk. Trump’s policies aimed to protect American citizens by enforcing legal immigration processes.
Romans 13:1-2 tells us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities,” for God has established law and order. Securing the border and ensuring that those who cross into the country do so legally is not unbiblical; it’s an act of justice and protection for the citizens within. Compassion for the immigrant is important, but so is justice for the law-abiding citizens who are impacted by illegal immigration.
Kamala Harris: Wealth Redistribution, Justice, and Troubling Decisions
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has consistently supported policies that rely on government intervention, redistribution of wealth, and increased regulation. While she positions herself as a champion of social justice, there are significant concerns about how her approach aligns with biblical servanthood.
Wealth Redistribution vs. Personal Responsibility
Harris has long been an advocate of wealth redistribution, pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy to fund government programs for the poor. While helping the poor is a biblical mandate, scripture makes it clear that this is a personal responsibility, not a government one. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Government-mandated redistribution removes the personal connection and responsibility from charity, turning it into a forced transfer of wealth.
Trump’s approach of empowering businesses to grow and create jobs aligns more closely with the biblical principle of personal responsibility and stewardship, where individuals are encouraged to give freely from their resources to help others.
Truancy and Justice Gone Wrong
One of the most troubling aspects of Harris’ time as California’s Attorney General was her enforcement of truancy laws, which aimed to crack down on parents whose children missed too many days of school. While holding parents accountable for their children’s education may seem like an act of responsibility, it led to some extreme consequences. One well-publicized case involved a mother whose daughter had sickle cell disease and was frequently hospitalized. Despite the extenuating circumstances, Harris’ policies resulted in the mother being arrested and jailed for her child’s truancy.
This incident raises significant questions about justice and compassion. The Bible teaches that justice must be tempered with mercy. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). A policy that punishes a mother for her child’s medical condition reveals a failure to apply common sense and compassion, traits that are essential in servant leadership.
Bail for Violent Rioters: Undermining Justice
During the violent protests that followed the death of George Floyd, Harris supported raising funds to bail out individuals arrested for rioting, looting, and destroying property. Many of those released went on to commit further crimes. While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, the Bible is clear that justice must be upheld. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). Supporting the release of violent offenders undermines the rule of law and does not reflect the biblical principle of justice.
Harris’ actions during this time raise questions about her commitment to justice, especially when contrasted with Trump’s strong stance on law and order. Leaders are called to protect their people and uphold justice, not to promote chaos and lawlessness.
World Conflicts and Peace: A Tale of Two Approaches
Another area where Trump and Harris differ significantly is in their approach to world conflicts. Trump’s foreign policy focused on diplomacy, strength, and peace, while the Biden-Harris administration has overseen a period of increased global instability.
Trump: Broker of Peace
One of Trump’s most significant achievements in foreign policy was the historic Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. These peace agreements brought a new level of stability to a historically volatile region. Trump also worked to de-escalate tensions with North Korea, bringing the U.S. back from the brink of potential nuclear conflict. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Trump’s emphasis on peace through strength and negotiation reflects a leadership style focused on avoiding unnecessary conflict and maintaining global stability.
It’s important to note the significant threats that Trump faced as well. Within the past month, there have been two assassination attempts on his life, illustrating just how high the stakes are when standing against a corrupt system. Yet, Trump continues to fight for the American people despite these threats, showing resilience in the face of danger. This reflects the biblical ideal of standing firm even when opposition threatens life itself. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Biden-Harris: Global Instability, Israel, and the Rise of Anti-Semitism
Under the Biden-Harris administration, global instability has increased, particularly with the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Another key issue is the recent attack on Israel by Hamas, which has escalated tensions in the Middle East and led to more violence in the region.
The Biden-Harris administration has also witnessed a rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric, both internationally and domestically, as tensions between Israel and its adversaries intensify. The lack of strong diplomatic efforts in this area has contributed to an environment where hate speech and violence against Jewish communities have increased. The Bible calls for leaders to defend justice and protect the vulnerable, and the rise of anti-Semitism under the current foreign policy raises concerns about whether these principles are being upheld. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure’” (Psalm 122:6).
Policy Over Personality: Avoiding Political Idolatry
As Christians, we must be careful not to let personality or political party define our decisions. Too often, we become emotionally attached to a leader or party, letting our feelings override biblical principles. This turns political figures into idols, something the Bible warns against.
Political parties and personalities are fleeting, but the principles of justice, stewardship, and service remain. We should choose leaders who reflect those values in their policies, not simply because they are charismatic or represent a party we’re loyal to. “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) applies just as much to politics as it does to any other area of life. Political idolatry leads to division and distraction from God’s will.
Choosing Leaders Based on Policy and Servitude
When we evaluate Donald Trump and Kamala Harris through the biblical lens of servant leadership, the differences are stark. Trump’s policies—especially his strong economic management, focus on law and order, and commitment to peace—reflect a leadership that serves the people, even if his personality is polarizing. He stood against corruption and advocated for policies that empowered individuals and businesses, benefiting the nation as a whole, even facing assassination attempts in the process.
Kamala Harris, while presenting herself as a champion for social justice, often supports policies that undermine personal responsibility, justice, and stability. Her focus on wealth redistribution, the enforcement of harsh truancy laws, and bail funds for violent rioters among other things over her years in office raises concerns about her commitment to true servanthood and justice.
Ultimately, voting as Christians means prioritizing policy over personality and party. Leaders must be chosen based on their actions, their commitment to serving the people, and their adherence to biblical principles. Only then can we ensure that our choices reflect the values of justice, mercy, and humility that God calls us to uphold.
Imagine if you were comparing these policies and actions and did not know which candidate they applied to. You weren’t thinking about personality or which direction a candidate leaned politically. Who would you vote for?
| Candidate A | Candidate B |
|---|---|
| – Tax cuts leading to economic growth and job creation | – Increased regulation and spending causing higher inflation and living costs |
| – Energy independence, lower gas and energy prices | – Higher gas prices and energy costs due to restrictive energy policies |
| – Strong border security and immigration policies | – Lax border security and less focus on vetting immigrants |
| – Brokered peace agreements, reduced global conflicts | – Increased global instability, withdrawal from Afghanistan, escalation in Ukraine |
| – Lower corporate taxes allowing business reinvestment | – Wealth redistribution through higher taxes and government programs |
| – Stood against corruption despite facing assassination attempts | – Supported bail funds for violent rioters during protests |
| – Policies of compassion and justice in law enforcement | – Harsh enforcement of truancy laws leading to unfair arrests |
| – Strong support for Israel and combating anti-Semitic rhetoric | – Increased anti-Semitic rhetoric with less diplomatic action to address it |
Which column represents the best interest of your life, your family’s life, and the quality of life your community deserves?
The percentage increases I provided are based on general trends reported by multiple financial and economic data sources. These are aggregated from public reports, government statistics, and news outlets. Here are some specific sources used for cost-of-living increases:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS tracks inflation and cost-of-living changes, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which provides data on the cost of goods and services such as gas, groceries, and electricity.
- AAA: Reports gas prices nationwide, offering historical and current data on gasoline price trends.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Provides reports on the cost of food items like milk, eggs, meat, and more.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Tracks energy prices, including electricity and gasoline costs.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): Provides data on health insurance premiums and healthcare costs over time.
- National Association of Realtors (NAR): Offers insights into housing prices and rental costs.
- Edmunds: Tracks trends in new and used car prices, providing data on how much car costs have increased over time.
- The Wall Street Journal and Financial News Outlets: Various news organizations report regularly on inflation, cost-of-living changes, and economic analysis. https://www.wsj.com/
- The Federal Reserve: Reports and analyzes inflationary trends and economic data.