Friday, March 14, 2008
(Spitz)ing on His Image
According to this article from the AP, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has resigned from his office. As a conservative who considered him a demagougic bully when he was Attorney General of New York, I am relieved he is gone. I am impressed that the New York Times was as clear as it was when it called for his immediate resignation from office. This kind of moral clarity is rare from the Times, but should be applauded whenever it's found.
I am relieved that Mr. Spitzer has resigned because his recognition of his shame and his criminal activity is a sad but refreshing turn from shameless politicians who ride out scandalous storms instead of resigning. I am relieved because Mr. Spitzer can begin to repair the moral ecology around him. I am also relieved because there will be less caturwalling from those who argue that prostitution is a victimless crime.
A Final Thought
As we reflect upon this affair, let us realize that Mr. Spitzer, though he was a bully, was nevertheless an image bearer of God as we all are. Mr. Spitzer besmirched the image of God on many different levels. As governor, he was chosen by God to punish evil doers and to administer justice. Wicked kings have been used by God to dispense justice in the past, but his role and law enforcer and law maker was violated. As a man, he caused others to sin. We are all sinners before a holy and righteous God, but flouting God's moral law brings dishonor and ill repute to God's word. As a husband and head of household, his double life belied the image of Christ and His church. By doing what he did, Mr. Spitzer made God to be a cheater too, a clear lie.
I have to reflect on this mess and conclude that what Elliot Spitzer needs is the same thing that every last person needs: We need the redemption and forgiveness from our sins that can only be found in Jesus Christ's death, burial, resurrection and ascension. It is only the grace and the power of God that triumph over the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. May Mr. Spitzer find the redemption his soul desperately needs. And may we all do the same.
I am relieved that Mr. Spitzer has resigned because his recognition of his shame and his criminal activity is a sad but refreshing turn from shameless politicians who ride out scandalous storms instead of resigning. I am relieved because Mr. Spitzer can begin to repair the moral ecology around him. I am also relieved because there will be less caturwalling from those who argue that prostitution is a victimless crime.
A Final Thought
As we reflect upon this affair, let us realize that Mr. Spitzer, though he was a bully, was nevertheless an image bearer of God as we all are. Mr. Spitzer besmirched the image of God on many different levels. As governor, he was chosen by God to punish evil doers and to administer justice. Wicked kings have been used by God to dispense justice in the past, but his role and law enforcer and law maker was violated. As a man, he caused others to sin. We are all sinners before a holy and righteous God, but flouting God's moral law brings dishonor and ill repute to God's word. As a husband and head of household, his double life belied the image of Christ and His church. By doing what he did, Mr. Spitzer made God to be a cheater too, a clear lie.
I have to reflect on this mess and conclude that what Elliot Spitzer needs is the same thing that every last person needs: We need the redemption and forgiveness from our sins that can only be found in Jesus Christ's death, burial, resurrection and ascension. It is only the grace and the power of God that triumph over the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. May Mr. Spitzer find the redemption his soul desperately needs. And may we all do the same.
Labels: Elliot Spitzer, God, image of God, prostitution, redemption
