Rotten fruit: Examining the Leaders in US Politics

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:17–18 that “every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” This principle is not just spiritual—it is observable in every part of life, including the world of politics.

When we examine the fruit of leaders and movements, the evidence often speaks louder than the rhetoric. If a leader continually produces fruit that leads to division, dishonesty, and corruption, we should not deceive ourselves into thinking the tree it came from is healthy, is good. Rotten fruit does not spring forth from roots grounded in righteousness. By the same measure, if we see love, humility, justice, and service to others consistently displayed, we can have confidence that the tree is good and, also nourished by being in good soil.

American politics today challenges us as Christians to be discerning fruit inspectors. Party labels and campaign slogans cannot disguise the harvest that policies and decisions create. Do laws protect the vulnerable, or do they exploit them? Do leaders speak truth even when it is costly, or do they twist facts for personal gain? Do their actions promote peace and flourishing, or do they stir anger and fear?

Our responsibility as believers is not blind loyalty to a party or politician, but faithful allegiance to Christ and His kingdom values. Just as we would not eat from a tree covered in moldy fruit, we should not place our trust in leaders whose actions betray selfishness, greed, or contempt for God’s image in others.

Ultimately, politics will always be imperfect, but God’s Word and its principles remains clear: healthy roots yield healthy fruit. When evaluating those who ask for our vote, let us look beyond the leaves of rhetoric and examine the fruit. For by their fruit, Jesus said, we will know them.