Mark Sanford Admits Affair: Name Added to Politicians' Walk of Shame

In politics, to rise to the top and to remain on top, stay faithful to your spouse. This lesson learned by powerful leaders such as President, Barack Obama, was apparently lost on Governor Mark Sanford. Wednesday in Columbia, South Carolina, an apologetic Mark Sanford dropped the bombshell that he has had an eight year relationship with a woman in Argentina. According to him, their emotional adultery turned sexual about a year ago.

Governor Mark Sanford joins a growing list of politicians who have fallen from grace. They have tainted their political legacies with their extramarital activities. John Ensign, senator from Nevada, also revealed that he had a nine-month affair with Cindy Hampton, a campaign staffer and next door neighbor. Eliott Spitzer, former governor of New York was exposed for his involvement with a high-priced call girl in a prostitution ring. While campaigning for President, Senator John Edwards repeatedly denied his affair with Rielle Hunter. Bill Clinton brought shame on his family and the Presidency with his antics with Monica Lewinsky.

Another politician can be added to this infamous list. When we think of King Solomon of ancient Israel, we note his unmatched wisdom and we remember the cause of his downfall. His legacy tarnished because of sexual appetites that demanded a smorgasbord of women.

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. (Prov. 6:23-25).

Solomon spoke from experience in the above passage. His words should be heeded by all of us today. It is too late for Governor Mark Sanford as he has begun his plod down the politicians' walk of shame. However, as we gaze and gasp at Mark Sanford's situation, it behooves everyone to take heed lest we fall too (see 1 Cor. 10:12). No one, republican, democrat, liberal or conservative is wiser than God. Famous last and prideful words are, "That won't happen to me. I can handle it."

For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent (6:26-28).

Governor Mark Sanford has been reduced, disgraced and shamed. His image in the eyes of the public, his constituents, his friends, his associates, his wife and children has been brought low. When men and women rely on subjective wisdom rather than the absolute truth of God, it will eventually and ultimately lead down a path of destruction.

It is not for anyone to judge Governor Mark Sanford. Only those who are without any sin can castigate him (see John 8:3-7). No person even of high political power is exempt from the pulls of temptation. In the same circumstances of Mark Sanford's life, what would we do? It is quite prideful to answer that question definitively. We can not say for sure without actually walking a mile in Mark Sanford's shoes. We have to humble ourselves daily by asking God to deliver us from the evil one, who is clever and guiling enough to come in all unsuspecting shapes, sizes, situations and circumstances.

Rather than judge-that's God's job (see Psa. 75:7), let us learn and lament over Governor Mark Sanford's actions. Our call now is to pray for him and everyone touched by the fallout, including the woman in Argentina. Let us pray for those in political power that they will not choose the shameful path that Governor Sanford has taken. Let us pray for marriages that men and women would honor covenant above that which is convenient. Let us exhort one another to not give into our ever-present and less noble desires.

Governor Mark Sanford is not the last to fall. There will be other politicians who will be believe they are immune to adultery's costly and deadly sting. Their names, like Governor Mark Sanford, will unfortunately be added to the politicians' walk of shame.

Sources:

King James Version of the Bible

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5441195&page=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliot_Spitzer

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/23/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5107792.shtml

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23832_Page2.html