Adultery and the Role of the President

Philandering is a terrible thing.

But so is stealing, so is lying, so is any other perversions contrary to God's design for us.

In ancient times, idolatry was the greatest, that is most widespread perversion in the land.

Now, it seems, the world is making a big deal out of sexual perversions.

No matter what we have done or have not done:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

No one, therefore, can say "I am not as bad as this person, or that person, for the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

The law's original design was to put man down once and for all in his attempts to justify himself:

"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." (Romans 3:19)

and

"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient" (1 Timothy 1:9)

Let us not forget the stern reminder of James to the Twelve Tribes scattered abroad:

"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:9-10)

It cannot be emphasized enough -- when we play comparison games with others regarding the extent of our sin, we are "respecters" of persons, and we are therefore sinners. Also, breaking one law makes us guilty of having broken all of them! We cannot claim to be somewhat holy, or to present ourselves to the world as acceptable because we have kept eight of ten commandments.

Therefore, we cannot judge any one any more or any less one who commits adultery or fornication as worse than a serial thief, a compulsive liar, or one who never ceases to covet what other people have.

So, the question then arises: how do we evaluate the past wrongdoing or present conviction of a political figure who has cheated on his or her spouse?

I would agree, as Dennis Prager has argued in a recent article, that a man's private failings do not necessarily derail his capacity or capability to be a leader. True, Bill Clinton instituted much needed welfare reform and helped balance the budget, although his private affair made public damaged the integrity of the Presidency.

John F. Kennedy was not an able President, despite his domestic success in cutting taxes and building up the military. It was sad, sorrowful, and shameful that he was also a philanderer, yet this perversion was not the exclusive reason for the failure of his presidency.

I also agree with Prager's stipulation that a politician who openly flouts his wedding vows, shaming her spouse and dishonoring the country with impunity, does not deserve to be president, or hold any office of high esteem.

I also believe that if consequence, rather than media condemnation, were in place, that there would be fewer incidences of adultery, and that more individuals would be able to seek help and restoration for themselves and their families.

The media does nothing but condemn people for their failings, when individuals deserve to be held accountable, but also open and receptive to the same redemption that is available to all who believe on the Finished Work of Jesus Christ.