For years, conservative Christians have tried to get one of their own into the White House. Whether Cruz, Huckabee, or Santorum, conservative Christians are often attracted to candidates who speak their language and promise to use federal power to check items off their list. Politicians understand this need for connection, and most of Republican candidates (including Trump) use the language of conservative Christians to advance their campaigns.

Johnson doesn’t speak that language. But just because a candidate can talk the talk doesn’t mean we should vote for them. Remember George W. Bush? He was the closest conservative Christians ever came to having one of their own in the White House. But he increased the size of government more than any president since FDR, laying the groundwork for his Democratic successor. Not exactly “conservative” credentials.

The growth of the federal government is the existential threat to conservative Christians. In recent years, the federal government has undermined Christian principles in the public square at every opportunity. So instead of simply trying to get “their guy” into the Oval Office, perhaps Christians should consider supporting a candidate who wants to change the system itself. A real change, not just changing the name plates on the desks in Washington.