I am currently in India and consequently very disconnected from what’s happening in my home state of South Carolina. Today I just heard the news that our governor, Mark Sanford came out as having an affair (biblical term: committing adultery) with an Argentine woman.
A very good friend of mine works in the state house, her father is a representative, and my uncle went to Furman University with Gov. Sanford. While I have only met the governor twice, people I know interact with him and possibly his family quite often and, while I’m sure everyone of them is displeased with his actions, have found him to be a moral man. So the question comes, what do we do with Mark Sanford?
- Forgive- It is indisputable the Gov. Sanford has committed an immoral, unbiblical act. But before we are so quick to cast stones, let’s not forget that we would be doing to hold his mistakes against him. He has asked for forgiveness, we forgive.
- Learn - In his press conference, Sanford stated that it started as an eight year relationship with “a dear, dear friend.” Married men and women should learn well not to get too close to the opposite sex. 1 Peter 5:8 states:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
It is very easy for married men and women to confide in “dear friends” of the opposite sex. To avoid falling prey to temptation, avoid it.
- Pray- This is a time to pray for Gov. Sanford, his family, the woman with who he committed adultery, and even our nation as a whole, as another leader has fallen into temptation. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 states:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
It is my hope that God’s grace and sovereignty will be shown through this.