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A time for redemption

By Tim Wood

This was originally published in The Columbia Daily Herald on Dec. 20, 1998

The news that President Clinton was impeached Saturday was expected. The shocker on a historic day was the news that Bob Livingston would give up the opportunity to become Speaker of the House of Representatives and leave Congress.

When will the mindless cannibalism stop?

Livingston admitted last week that affairs had almost cost him his 33-year marriage. It would appear that now, any admission of infidelity disqualifies a person from public service.

Marital infidelity is serious. It is a violation of an oath. Lying under oath in a court of law is serious. Violating one's marriage oath - which usually is sworn in a church before God - is a serious matter.

Of course, President Clinton has violated his marriage oath as well, and perhaps that's the worst violation of trust that he has committed.

However, there should be concern that we will lose too many capable public servants because any evidence of infidelity will be used to attack and humiliate a public servant.

The key is whether the individual has admitted their infidelity and is willing to change their ways. Are we getting to a point in this country in which we cannot allow people to repent, and go and sin no more?

There is a legitimate question as to whether President Clinton has truly repented of his misconduct and will not do it again. Only his actions can answer that question.

Christmas is about redemption. God sent Jesus to fulfill His plan for the redemption of mankind.

Behind every manger scene is a cross. The innocent baby born into humble circumstances suffered unimaginable pain and agony so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins.

Those of us who choose to follow this faith have several obligations. First and foremost is to continually identify the sins in our own lives, repent, seek forgiveness and put our transgressions behind. Secondly, we must offer forgiveness to others who seek it from us, and must be very careful in judging the actions of others.

Some offenses should disqualify a person from public office regardless of whether the person has changed their ways. Voters certainly can consider such information when they cast their votes. Given a choice between a candidate who has been unfaithful to their wife and a similar candidate who has remained faithful, the voter certainly could choose the latter candidate. But voters should also consider whether that person will commit such acts again.

The idea of a national leader sinning and being rehabilitated is not a new one. King David committed offenses even worse than those of Clinton. He was confronted with the truth and admitted his wrongdoing.

In a few days we'll celebrate the birth of his most famous descendant.

Christmas time is a good opportunity to revisit the idea of redemption. We don't need to lose any more people of the caliber of Bob Livingston from public service. As a nation, we could end the mindless cannibalism that seeks to destroy individuals at the expense of our nation.

That would be a gift that would benefit all of us.

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