New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned yesterday amid allegations that he patronized prostitutes. According to news sources, Spitzer, 48, stepped down after the New York Times reported he was "Client 9" of an international call-girl ring whose operators were charged with crimes last week. The Bible warns that "some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after," 1 Timothy 5:24. Many individuals who are reading about the events surrounding Eliot Spitzer are engaged in the same self destructive behavior. Though for the moment their transgressions are hidden, in the day of ultimate judgment they will be revealed under the scrutiny of divine evaluation.
When one news reporter randomly asked pedestrians in a major city why individuals cheat, a variety of answers were forthcoming. Some cheat out of boredom. Others are simply dissatisfied with their spouse. Some do not understand the importance of their wedding vows while others just enjoy the pleasures of passion wherever it might be found and with whomever is available. It is as simple at that.
Sometimes people try to look for deep hidden psychological reasons for irresponsible behavior as if evil has a rationale of its own. It does not. The Bible speaks of the "mystery of iniquity" (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
If there is to be any understanding of evil [i.e. injurious behavior] it is rooted in three elements. First, the will to power. Second, the pleasure principle and third an absorption with self. When counseling others on how to survive marital unfaithfulness, one secular psychologist offered the following counsel: talk openly about the situation, restore self esteem and be ready to move on.
What is absent in all of the media discussion concerning Gov. Spitzer is the Biblical perspective which involves confession of evil [injurious behavior], repentance as deep as the transgression itself and waiting on the Lord and others to forgive. The idea that bad behavior is rooted in low self esteem and that individuals are in a position to "forgive themselves" and move on is why true righteousness (as opposed to self righteousness) and thus inner happiness and wholeness of mind with a renewed integrated personality remains elusive. Who can forgive sins but God? (Mark 2:7). Where in the world did the idea arise that individuals can and should "forgive themselves?" No one has a right to "forgive themselves". That is the essence of mental, emotional and spiritual arrogance?though I know it a foundational concept to modern day counseling which is rooted in secularism and not Scripture. I am open to being shown from Scripture where individuals are taught to "forgive themselves."
And as far as "low self esteem", it too is another great myth of the 20th and 21st centuries even though it is embraced by many ministers and secular counselors. Whatever "low self esteem" may mean it is not a Biblical concept for the Bible consistently says the problem with the human heart is that every single person thinks TOO MUCH of themselves and THAT is the essence of sin's expression. The reason why Jesus said in Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" is because people always want others to do things for them. That is not low self esteem but the essence of self esteem. Jesus had to teach us to think about others and do good for them for by nature we do not do good to others nor do we even want too. So we have to be taught to be different by thinking differently.
There is much to learn from the moral transgressions of Gov. Spitzer. If he and his family want to be made whole then let it be according to gospel terms. My heart goes out to the wife and children and the governor himself. Only this do I know. Repentance is a gift of God (2 Timothy 2:25). I shall pray the Lord will grant him the gift of repentance and humble him deeply. H he has now known humiliation, but humbleness of heart is needed, not just for him but for all who struggle with secret sins.
