CONSTANTINE

…petitions and prayers… for kings and all who are in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Recently, I was challenged for supporting President Trump’s condemnation of high-profile antisemites. My critic argued that Christians should withhold praise due to Trump’s crude expression and "cringe" behavior, which they viewed as indicative of an underdeveloped spirituality. However, a look at church history provides helpful perspective.

Consider the ancient Church Fathers, who endured ten waves of cruel persecution under the "Iron Kingdom" of Rome. Then came Emperor Constantine. Believing Christ was responsible for his political triumphs, he ended Roman persecution and extended immense imperial favor. He sponsored Bible production, bestowed high offices upon believers, mandated Sundays off for slaves, and took stands on sanctity-of-life issues like abortion and infanticide. By summoning the Council of Nicaea, he even lent approval to a biblically sound definition of Christ’s nature. Consequently, the ancient church’s general verdict of Constantine was one of fondness and thanksgiving.

Yet, there was a “cringe” side to Constantine as well. His understanding of the faith was demonstrably shallow and often lapsed into superstition. Frequently more interested in pragmatic unity than doctrinal truth, he maintained relations with heretical Arians even after Nicaea. Despite worshipping Christ, he still paraded about in traditional imperial fashion, like a god.

The lesson is clear: we often demand a level of perfection from civil magistrates that is beyond their present spiritual capacity. We must remember they are politicians, not pastors. I am thankful for the support my President has extended to Christians, and while I acknowledge his imperfections, I choose to love him and pray for him. Our gratitude for a leader’s positive impact does not require us to ignore their flaws, but rather to recognize the providential ways God uses imperfect men for the welfare of His people.

Terry L. Reese