A Full Workweek
As has become customary in American governance, it was a very full first week for the new Trump administration. The number and scope of executive orders and actions was likely even higher and broader than normal due to the fact that Republicans are also in control of both chambers of Congress. A non-exhaustive list of the new administration’s first actions include:
- An executive order to “achieve the total and efficient enforcement” of U.S. immigration laws, followed by several actions under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security to “deport criminal aliens”
- A pause on most foreign aid, and senior leadership at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) being placed on administrative leave
- A pause on most federal loans and grants
- The removal of 17 Inspectors General
- An executive order terminating the “diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) offices across all federal agencies
- The official renaming of the “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley”
- An executive order making it the policy of the U.S. to recognize two sexes, male and female.
Analysis and eternal perspective: These actions—and many others not included here—are being applauded by some and decried by others. It is likely you, as a Jesus follower, find cause for some of each reaction, as well. We know from scripture that both the moral makeup of our leaders and their actions have a real impact in our world (Pr. 29:2). That said, governments of men are, by definition, made up of sinful men and women, so no government should be viewed as the perfect application of divine authority.
The exciting truth for The Equipped family, however, is that the primary responsibility for carrying the Truth of the Gospel into the world is ours (Matt. 28:18-20)! So, while the actions of the most powerful government in the world truly matter and you should thoughtfully work to impact them, your personal charge remains the same no matter the governmental action. Go and make disciples!
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Pr. 29:2).
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.