CHARACTER
Character First: A Christian Standard for Leadership
At some point, there must be men and women who are willing to stand—not in anger, but in conviction. Silence does not lead, and avoidance does not strengthen a nation. If we believe God’s Word is true, then we must allow it to guide not only our private lives, but our public decisions as well. As Christians, this becomes both a personal calling and a civic responsibility. We are called to “put on the full armor of God” and to stand (Ephesians 6:11–13). As a United States Marine, I understand what it means to take an oath to defend the Constitution; as a Christian, I carry a greater responsibility—to stand in alignment with God’s Word and to seek leaders who do the same. My prayer is that the scales would fall from all of our eyes—mine included—and that we would allow Scripture to shape our understanding of truth, character, and leadership.
Leadership is not first about policy, party, or personality. It is about character. Scripture teaches that what is in a man’s heart will eventually come out in his words and actions. While we cannot see a man’s heart fully, we can observe what he says, how he treats others, how he handles power, and how he conducts himself when no one is forcing him to do right.
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good… for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
I want to take a moment to share where I stand—not as a Republican and not as a Democrat—but as a Christian who believes the moral character of our country should be based upon God’s Word. This is not an argument. It is simply my posture.
The Bible gives a clear lens. It tells us that wisdom from God is “pure, peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). That becomes a measuring stick. When we look at a leader, we must ask: do we see these qualities? Not perfection—but direction.
God calls leaders to justice and mercy. “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). A leader who shows no compassion, who lacks humility, or who exercises authority without mercy is out of alignment with what God requires.
Financial integrity matters. “A false balance is an abomination… but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1). A man’s dealings—his honesty, his stewardship, and his willingness to repay what he owes—reflect whether he walks in integrity or manipulation.
Scripture also teaches restraint and purity in how a man treats women. This includes not only actions, but words—rejecting crude talk, bragging, or boastfulness that persuades other men that it is acceptable to act without honor. A man of character does not take advantage of opportunity, position, or desire. He protects dignity. He walks away from temptation, even when it costs him, as Joseph did. When men do not, the consequences are clear—what is taken in selfishness often turns to contempt.
How can we instruct our sons and daughters about integrity, purity, and the things Scripture teaches if we are willing to accept the opposite in those we choose to lead us? What we tolerate in leadership, we quietly teach as acceptable in life.
Leadership requires humility and the willingness to receive counsel. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). A man who cannot listen, who surrounds himself only with agreement, or who rejects correction is not walking in wisdom.
There is a speech I have always found powerful—Red Skelton reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and explaining what each word means. It is a reminder that this is the United States of America—not a divided nation of Republicans and Democrats, but a people called to stand together.
We are a nation built on unity, not uniformity. Fifty states, each with their own liberties, yet joined together under one flag. Those liberties are not meant to divide us or to persecute one another for our beliefs, but to protect each person’s right to live and speak without fear.
When we allow ourselves to become defined only by party, we lose sight of that unity. When we treat others with contempt because they believe differently, we move further away from what this nation was meant to be.
Scripture also makes clear our responsibility as a people. We are to choose leaders who fear God, are trustworthy, and reject dishonest gain (Exodus 18:21). We are to speak up for what is right (Proverbs 31:8–9), seek the good of our nation (Jeremiah 29:7), stand firm in truth (1 Corinthians 16:13), not follow the crowd into wrongdoing (Exodus 23:2), and hold even those in authority accountable to righteousness (2 Samuel 12:7).
When I put all of this together, I arrive at a simple conviction:
I am not looking for a perfect candidate. There is no such thing. But I am looking for a man whose pattern of life does not consistently violate these principles. If a person’s words, actions, and history repeatedly stand in opposition to God’s standards of character, I cannot support that person.
This is not about being right politically. It is about being faithful spiritually.
I will continue to pray for wisdom, trusting that God will direct my path. And I will do my best to act in a way that reflects not my preferences, but my convictions.
Respectfully,
Ron
— Rollin E. Trueblood, USMC (Ret.)