I want to make a brief comment on the news about South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford's admission that he had an affair and that his recent disappearance was to visit his mistress in Argentina.
Look, I know that we're all sinners in need of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that those of us who are saved are saints who sometimes sin and it's argued that that's why we shouldn't judge people. As a Christian I'm told I'm supposed to worry about myself and stay out of other people's business. In addition, I'm told I'm supposed to forgive and forget and just leave it up to God to handle things.
I get all of that. Yet, that doesn't mean I can't have an opinion about certain things, or that I shouldn't try to stand for righteousness whenever I see it abused or ignored. It's ok for me to call label things as being either "right" or "wrong" rather than constantly try to navigate through the murky world of political correctness and shades of gray.
I'm sure it's been said by many different people several times already this week, but I personally think that if a politician -- any politician -- is found guilty of upholding their marriage vows to their own spouse, then they should immediately resign or be removed from office. That's a law I would vote for.
How the heck are we the people supposed to have faith that they'll uphold their oath of office and serve in our best interests if they can't serve in their family's best interest?
By all means, I pray that he can reconcile with his wife and that they won't add another tally to the already long list of divorces in this nation. I commend them (especially his wife) for wanting to work through this while remaining in the public's eye. I can't imagine how difficult that will be.
Again, I'm not trying to pile on here but only trying to be fair. I want to be consistent in my criticism for Republicans just as I am for Democrats. Besides, this is a moral issue and last time I checked God's Holy Word has a lot to say about right living, living in obedience, and morality.
That's why I wanted to write this piece. Sanford should resign from office and focus on what's really important -- rebuilding his marriage by rebuilding faith and trust from his dear wife.
19 Comments:
I agree he should.
I used to suppport the Republican party blindly, I am ashamed to say.
It's almost like the 'conservative' base of the Republican party is pretty much a bunch of actors portraying 'conservatives.'
Remember Craig, the guy from Idaho, who was looking for men in the airport restroom? He was a staunch 'family values' conservative.
Extremely sad situation in Washington.
I think the broader picture that might be the silver lining is that many Christians are beginning to understand that politicians are not going to uphold Judeo-Christian values without a strong, moral citizenry to uphold it. I pray for a revival.
Bruce
I agree and I live in SC. He even had the audacity to justify his actions and say well that he is just like David in the Bible- so it is okay- he will go on. Now that is really disgusting! I feel horrible for his wife who even had to deal with him asking her these last 5 mos if he could go see his mistress! And I pray for their boys- how hard and and horrible what they have to be going through as a result of all this public attention heaped on it.:(
Hey Jred check this out
http://theater.goodfight.org/
pretty interesting for a person who grew up in this era.(myself) What an eye opener!how easily we can be deceived.
Makes me think of these two passages
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more now in my absence,) with fear and trembling work out your salvation.Philippians2:12
and
mt 7:14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few."
I live in SC and follow Sanford fairly close. I mentioned to my wife the very week before this happened that he was one of the best politicians in the US. His own party disliked him because he stood for truth and was NOT a one worlder. He fought a hard fight to NOT take the Federal funds that reduces the sovereignty of the state b/c he saw what was happening in Washington. I must say I was surprised by this more than most as yet another man I admired proved to be all too human. As Christians we are to point out error and encourage our brothers without judging. I agree with your post but would hate to see Mark leave office. He is a good man.
Rob
Jeff,
Perhaps this whole affair, will only end up being a new version of, "Sanford And Son."
God's Grace,
Ron White
Very well said, JRed.
I find this day and age of tolerance and political correctness an extremely difficult time. I think if we don't keep a close eye on moral rights and wrongs, it's easy for Christians to slip into a worldly view of, "well, that's ok, everyone accepts that now-adays." Or "we should just love them and not criticize them". I heard one news commentator say that it wasn't an issue if that govenor was having an affair, that affairs are almost accepted these days (!) (not to me they aren't!!) and went on to say the issue was that of him not being able to be reached (which I agree was a huge issue). But I think the moral issue of his affair, and affairs in general, especially in public officials that, as you said so well, must be trusted in their oaths of office, the power they have, and how they carry out the laws, IS a huge issue!
Also, what kind of role model is that for his children, and the children of the country? Breaking vows is ok? Lying is ok? And the more we let officials get away with this, the more it IS accepted as acceptable behavior. I agree with you - I would vote for a law that officials having affairs should leave office.
I think, in my opinion, we, as Christians, should be able to point out correct or incorrect moral behavior, but love and pray for that person who is sinning, including and most especially ourselves, that God will help them repent, and overcome it. But also that the people in leadership roles that deal with making and upholding laws in this country, should be held by people who are upholding the law in their own lives.
I live in SC and I gotta tell you this whole thing is so bizzare. I had to read in the national news that our governor was missing (not covered in Charleston news) and then nobody seemed to know where he was. He comes back from "hiking" to announce he was in Argentina. He had attended a Bilderberg meeting last year and was vetted at one of their meetings. We wondered if he was somehow being coerced because he tried to "buck the system". If so, it's one of the most bizzare things I've seen in a long time. Of course, you often can't make this stuff up and truth is stranger than fiction!!
As for resigning, he wouldn't be the first politician to be involved in an affair and retain office (Clinton anyone?). The truth of the matter is he is a lame duck politican at this point and is now missing an important asset to his political team...his wife. In any case, he is ineffectual at best.
hey - is he protected under the new and wonderful obama "sexual orientation" list?
Thank you so much for your statement today! I have been wrestling with my opinions of my sister's once been a Believer and now rejects God and has been in the gay lifestyle for the past many years. We had a falling out of sorts over this just recently and I was very grieved in my spirit about her rejecting God. I have asked the Lord about my feeling this way and the anger over the Enemy deceiving my sister, and feeling guilt over the righteous indignation welling up inside. Thank you for confirming that it is okay to have these feelings and opinions. I have given them and my sister to Jesus to deal with, and your article today was the healing salve on this wound in my heart. Thank you Jeffrey. God bless you and your ministry beyond what you can imagine.
I agree with the basis of the article that our representatives need to lead lifestyles that we can trust, but I want to say something FAR GREATER and more IMPORTANT than the sensational news that we keep getting exposed to. Sanford's fall from grace and dilemma is a lesson for all of us who WOULD reject Satan and follow Christ. Ladies and gentleman, look inside yourselves and know your weaknesses and know your vices. Because they are about to be exploited more viciously than they have ever had in the past. Mine are lust, pride and alcohol and I can tell you the forces on this earth right this very minute are putting me to the test. Its not an excuse for sinful behavior, its simply a matter Satan knows how to leverage the worst in you to move you away from God, to covet things you don't have and to desire the comforts that modern society has to offer, rather than depending on the one true God guided by our ultimate role model, Jesus Christ. Expect to the be tested during the tribulation!!!
Addendum to my earlier point:
=== Start===
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
===END===
Sin and salvation are two sides of the same coin. So close together they are, they can not be separated and it is free will that we will choose which to be our destiny. May God bless you that its salvation.
QUOTE:
"I personally think that if a politician -- any politician -- is found guilty of upholding their marriage vows to their own spouse, then they should immediately resign or be removed from office. That's a law I would vote for."
My thoughts EXACTLY
Your proposed law is impractical.
What standard of proof would be required before a politician would be forced to leave office? Photos and videotape, or just some person coming out of the woodwork and saying "I had an affair with Gov. So-and-so."
If you wanted to get rid of your favorite Senator or Governor, all you would have to do would be to have some bimbo flirt with him at a party.
Rather than act like some caricature of the Moral Majority, why don't we push for a law that would disqualify politicians who 1) belong to secret societies, 2) violate their oath to uphold the Constitution, 3) voted for wars based on lies.
There would be a lot of vacant job openings in Washington.
jeff have you considered adding a forum to your site?
I agree across the board. How can you look out for my best interest and not know me. If the one you took vows with, to love and cherish, you cut with a knife, and your sorry? For what getting caught? Because you sure were not thinking your sorry, when it was in the dark. I do not live in SC.. But I was happy he was fighting not to take that money from the federal government. I had a joke with my family. Our government is like the mob, take the money or we will break both your legs. So now they have broken both his legs. Stupid is what stupid does. He knew once this affair was public, his career is OVER.. They are going to eat him for lunch...
Well said everyone! See, this is exactly why I love this community of believers because all I have to do is put a story out there, make a quick comment or two about it, and get out of the way and let all of you share your thoughts. Many good points here -- thank you. Barry, I checked out that website and it's great and extremely cutting edge and well done. I'll be spending more time there soon and will report back.
In Christ,
Jeff (JRed)
Is it worth noting that Sanford was the only governor to refuse the Obama stimulus funds (until the state supreme court compelled him to) as well as an eloquent opponent of the Real ID card?
Funny how that guy is the one taken down and discredited (with plenty of his own cooperation, of course).
Let us be sure to pray for this brother in Christ.
I think you are all missing the point. He who is without sin cast the first stone... people Sanford had a weakness and he fell "victim", yes I will say it, victim to it! That does not excuse it or make it ok, but it makes him human. There is something stirring in my soul that wants to scream out that we will ALL, who desire to walk with God, will be placed in temptation just like this man. I am seeing it all over. Satan's time is short and he will use every power he has to pull us away. Without going into detail, I will say very recently I almost committed spiritual suicide. I cursed God, yelled explicatives at him and said I hated him. Why? Because I was caught up in a net of my own sin and I blamed him for it. I have done a complete 180 degrees and have come to terms with what I have done. But I fear for us all. Know your weaknesses, because they will be exploited in short order.
JRed,
OK, I'm embarrassed. I confused Sanford with Sen. Jim DeMint. Sanford is NOT the Anti NWO guy I said he was. He is a liberal Republican that supports open borders. Please post to restore any credibility I still may have!
God Bless,
Rob in SC
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