THE LAST RIVER MILE

In the 1990’s, when the president engaged in inappropriate behavior with a White House intern, we heard the phrase “character matters.” As he compounded the matter by lying about, much of the nation insisted a leader’s values and personal actions matter, regardless of how much we agree or disagree with that person’s politics.

I find it odd and confusing that I don’t seem to hear much insistence that character matters now. I even heard this about our present POTUS from one person who cried out against the president’s morals three decades ago: “We didn’t elect him to be a Boy Scout. It doesn’t matter, as long as he gets the job done.” That’s quite a 180-degree pivot.

Granted, the actual character identity of few leaders matches their carefully polished public images. The moral lapses of multiple presidents are legendary. Still, many of us have an unspoken expectation or hope that our leaders at least will aspire to be their better selves.

Now, many flaunt and even celebrate the lack of good character. Under the shield of, “He tells it like it is,” we’re supposed to give a pass to brazen pridefulness, off-the-chart narcissism, and apocalyptic egocentricity. We are expected to applaud someone who sees healthy accountability as something that should never hinder him, due to some kind of perceived entitlement most of us cannot comprehend. We see the top office engaging in name-calling and outright slander which we would not allow from our own children and grandchildren. We are expected to tolerate an endless, cruel demonizing of those with whom he does not agree or whom he does not happen to like. And don’t even get me started the beyond-disrespectful treatment of women.

So, again, what happened to ‘character matters’? Does it only matter to the extent that it supports or challenges my particular political views?

I cannot stand in judgement without judging myself. I am in no position to throw the first stone. This is about behavior, not the value of a human being. The president is declared worthy the life, death, resurrection and promised return of Jesus, the hope of the world, not one iota less than I am.

In the final analysis, whatever is going on in secular leadership, character matters for those of us who dare to claim Jesus as Lord. Loving God, loving others as God loves us, practicing humility, and seeking to serve rather than to be served – all these things must characterize us. I probably need to just focus on doing a better job of this myself.

I’ll see you around the next bend in the river.