Read Time: 4 min 21 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

POLITICS

Advisors, Assemble!

President-elect Trump is picking his team—otherwise known as his “cabinet”—in preparation for taking over Pennsylvania Avenue in January.

The President’s Cabinet is a group of 15 advisors who lead government departments, give the President advice, and help carry out the President’s plans for the country. Each member is chosen by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

Here are a few names Mr. Trump wants for his team:

• Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for Secretary of State—expected to be tough on China.

• Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Trump called her a “strong, tough, and smart America-first fighter.”

• Strict-on-immigration Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) for Homeland Security secretary

Trump has also asked celebrity tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The goal of DOGE is to help the government cut spending and restructure departments.

Meanwhile, in Congress, lawmakers have flocked back to the Hill for their “lame-duck” session. “Lame duck” refers to when outgoing lawmakers meet after an election but before leaving office. On the ducks’ agenda: fund the government (hopefully), hold new-member orientation, and elect new leaders. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Politicians come and go. Sometimes, they excite us, and often they disappoint us. Put your hope in the Lord, who has no term limit, rules with compassion, and executes justice perfectly. 

“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.”
 Psalm 9:7–10 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
You probably don’t get to appoint a 15-seat cabinet to be approved by the U.S. Senate… but you do get to build a circle of people around you whose wisdom you trust. 

The Bible says believers need to seek guidance, choose our advisers carefully, and use good listening ears. Check out these Proverbs:

• “Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance” (Proverbs 11:14 CSB)

• “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:30 CSB)

• “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15 CSB)

We won’t grow and succeed without wise, godly people in our ears. Find a small group of trustworthy people (you might not need 15 since you’re not running a country) who can consistently point you to Jesus and listen to them.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Keep the big things big and the small things small.

A new President and Congress are a big deal in America, and it’s worth paying attention to. But even the most powerful leaders in the world have a temporary position. The news of their accomplishments will be forgotten, opinions will change, and new people will take over. 

The first allegiance of believers is to the King of kings and Lord of lords (or President of presidents, if you will): “The Lamb will conquer [his enemies] because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14 CSB). His identity defines ours: called, chosen, faithful. That identity—not our political preferences—will be relevant forever.

• Read the story of King Rehoboam’s bad decision in 1 Kings 12:1-18 and discuss:

  • What does King Rebby get right? What does he get wrong?

  • How do we know if someone’s advice is good or bad?

  • Who’s in your cabinet? Whose advice would you like more of in your life?

• Memorize a proverb from the list in the Reflect section.

• Pray that God would help you discern good advice from bad advice.

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WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Annnnd, liftoff…