Reflecting on Deception, Biblical Wisdom, and the Call to True Discipleship
Introduction: An Unexpected Awakening
I never imagined I would live to see the day when Christian nationalism would gain such traction in America. For much of my life, I believed the church stood apart from political ideologies, rooted in the gospel’s message of love, faith, righteousness, and justice. Yet, in recent years, I’ve watched with growing concern as many believers—sometimes even entire congregations—have been swept up by the narrative that America is, or ought to be, a “Christian nation.” This shift surprised me, and prompted a deeper reflection on what it means to follow Christ in a culture increasingly shaped by nationalist rhetoric.
The Deception: America as a “Christian Nation”
The idea that America was founded as a Christian nation has long been debated, but what is new is the fervor and conviction with which this ideology has been embraced by many in the church. Political leaders and movements have skillfully aligned themselves with Christian symbols and language, convincing many that defending national interests is synonymous with defending the faith. This conflation is not only misleading—it is spiritually dangerous. The gospel does not call us to blind allegiance to earthly powers, but to a kingdom “not of this world.” As I observed the first Trump administration, I realized how deeply embedded this political ideology had become in church life and discourse. Many, including myself at first, were unaware of its subtle, yet profound influence.
Biblical Warnings: Deception in the Last Days
Scripture repeatedly warns us about deception, especially in the last days. Jesus cautioned his followers: “See to it that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4). The apostle Paul wrote of a time when people would “gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). It is sobering to consider how easily believers can be led astray when cultural trends are dressed up in religious language.
Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25: The Path of Wisdom
Two proverbs stand out as especially relevant: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). These verses powerfully capture the danger of relying on human wisdom instead of God’s guidance. What seems right—defending a nation, preserving traditions, elevating our own understanding—can ultimately lead us away from life and truth. The proverbs warn us that good intentions are not enough; the paths we choose must be measured against God’s eternal standard, not our own preferences or the spirit of the age.
Human Wisdom vs. Divine Guidance
The contrast between human wisdom and divine guidance is at the heart of this issue. Human wisdom often appeals to pride, comfort, and security. It can masquerade as righteousness, but at its core, it is self-serving. Divine wisdom, however, calls us to humility, self-sacrifice, and dependence on God. The consequences of following misguided paths are severe—not just for ourselves, but for our witness to the world. Motives matter, and it is easy to deceive ourselves about why we support certain ideologies or leaders. Are we seeking God’s kingdom, or simply our own sense of belonging and power?
Personal Reflection: Observations from the First Trump Administration
During the first Trump administration, I observed a profound shift in the way many American churches engaged with politics—one that left me both concerned and introspective. Sermons, prayers, and even casual conversations among believers seemed increasingly shaped by political talking points rather than the core truths of scripture. Instead of prophetic calls to love, humility, and sacrificial justice, I often heard echoes of partisan rhetoric that blurred the lines between the gospel and nationalism. It became apparent that many Christians, including respected pastors and leaders, were conflating the message of Jesus with allegiance to a particular country or political ideology. In this environment, the radical love and justice that Jesus exemplifies—calling us to love our neighbor, welcome the stranger, and seek justice for the oppressed—was sometimes overshadowed by a desire for power or cultural dominance. This realization has compelled me to reflect deeply on what it means to truly follow Christ, and to yearn for a church that stands apart from political agendas, embodying instead the transformative love and justice at the heart of the gospel.
The Gospel Message vs. Nationalist Ideology
At its core, the gospel is about reconciliation, compassion, and justice for all people. Nationalism, on the other hand, elevates one group above others, and often justifies exclusion and division in the name of patriotism. When Christianity becomes a tool for political ends, it loses its prophetic voice and undermines the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. The gospel’s message is not about building earthly kingdoms, but about participating in God’s transformative work in the world—work that transcends borders, cultures, and politics.
Practical Application: Examining Motives and Seeking God’s Wisdom
How can believers guard against this deception? First, we must honestly examine our motives. Are our political convictions rooted in scripture, or in cultural trends and personal interests? Second, we must seek God’s wisdom above all else. This means prayerfully inviting the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal areas where we’ve substituted human judgment for divine guidance. Third, we must consider the long-term consequences of our choices—not just for ourselves, but for our communities and the witness of the church. True wisdom listens for God’s voice and is willing to take hard, unpopular stands when necessary.
Additional Biblical Commentary: Pride, Sin, and Spiritual Discernment
Scripture has much to say about pride and its corrosive effects. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). When we assume our understanding is superior to God’s, we place ourselves in spiritual danger. Sin often disguises itself as virtue, and without discernment, we can easily mistake self-interest for righteousness. The apostle John urges believers to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), reminding us that not every movement or idea that claims to be Christian is truly aligned with Christ. Spiritual discernment requires humility, openness to correction, and a willingness to submit our opinions to the authority of God’s Word.
Conclusion: A Call to Humility, Discernment, and Trust in God’s Wisdom
The rise of Christian nationalism in America is a wake-up call for believers. It challenges us to reconsider what it means to be faithful in a politically charged age, and to reaffirm our commitment to the gospel’s message of love, justice, and righteousness. Let us heed the warnings of Proverbs, examine our hearts, and seek God’s wisdom above all. May we resist the temptation to conflate our faith with worldly power, and instead pursue the path of humility, discernment, and trust in the One whose ways are higher than our own.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 