His scorecard, thus far, is not very impressive. And there have been volumes already written about the current administration and its actions.
(Here's an example. And here's another. And more background on why it's not a good idea to populate a federal administration with former lobbyists).
But what I haven't seen much of is an objective, faith-based perspective on what's going on in the West Wing.
For the sake of simplicity, let's take one book (the Bible) and focus on one chapter (Proverbs 17).
Right off the bat, verse 1 (Proverbs 17.1) speaks to the general atmosphere of the West Wing. "Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting - and conflict." If there is one word that captures the past two weeks on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., it's conflict. The sidenote behind this verse is a subtle pitch for humility.
Verse 10 reads: "A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding that a hundred lashes on the back of a fool." A person of understanding seeks out advice and takes it. They don't need to be hit over the head in order to "get it." Last week the New York Times and other newspapers reported that the 45th president received several warnings to stay away from Mike Flynn. Those warnings went unheeded. Mr. Flynn is currently under investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee and has refused to turn over requested documents. His refusal could result in criminal charges.
How about this one: "Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out." (vs. 14) The 45th's tweeting history is a great example of how not to handle yourself in public. Almost every tweet (under his own name) is a negative reaction inviting or increasing conflict. Here's a sampling of the 45th's tweets.
The 45th has a tendency to deny any wrongdoing. It would do him well to remember that God doesn't like that sort of thing: "Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent - both are detestable to the Lord." (vs. 15). Quick example: The 45th's praise of a former talk-show host, who a few weeks later was fired over allegations of sexual harassment.
Proverbs 17th even has something to say about building walls. "Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster." (vs. 19) Interesting that quarreling, sinning and trusting in walls are grouped together in one verse. Remember, building the infamous wall across the Mexican border remains a top priority of the 45th's. The 45th has gone out of his way to emphasize that it'll be a "huge" one. Here's some background on the 45th's promise to build a "great, great wall."
The very next verse (vs. 20) mentions "the crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble." An investigation into the 45th and his campaign's alleged collusion with Russia to influence the presidential election is happening as this blogpost is being written. It's enough to say that the 45th's track record on this one has been a path of deep denial. Interestingly, he hasn't said much to clear his own staff. Mainly insisting that his character remains sterling. While other presidents have been investigated, I don't recall any of them having this happen to them so early in their presidency. Here's the Pultizer prize-winning Politifact's truth-check on the 45th.
Verse 24 tells us "sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth." It's been reported that the 45th has a very short attention span, doesn't read books and gets his news from soundbites. It's also been reported that his staff is often sent scrambling because they can't get the 45th to focus on what's important. He's said things like "who knew health care was so complicated?" Not having a sense of detail is one thing. Not having the discipline to adequately consider complex issues is another.
The current situation that we're facing in Washington can best be summed up in verse 27: "A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." The 45th seems to suffer from an inability to keep quiet and listen. His personal tweets are mostly thoughtless and angry. His interviews, to date, offer more of the same.
On the bright side, we're being offered a fine litmus test for use in our own lives, as to how not to conduct ourselves.
Here's the latest episode of PBS News Hours' analysis with Shields & Brooks.
Author's Note: All scripture quotations are taken from the New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers.
Second photo of (dark) White House by Bloomberg
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