LETTER TO THE EDITOR: King David, Sanford have something in common
Florence
Published: July 2, 2009
I’ve been reading recently about a political leader of a great state, who was very popular among his people; he had great plans for the future. He was young, bright and promising. He fought many political battles based upon his principles of right and wrong. Numerous people respected and looked up to him. Some fiercely opposed him on issues in which they disagreed.
Others in his own party even wanted to destroy him, especially when it was discovered that he had been malicious, deceitful, a liar and even an adulterer.
You may think I’m describing our Gov. Mark Sanford, but really I am writing about King David, one of Israel’s greatest and most powerful kings. Not only was David all of the above but a murderer as well.
Mark and David have a lot in common at this point. In addition to being political leaders who committed adultery, both have been broken, repentant, admitted their failings, and asked for forgiveness.
God did not save David from the consequences of his actions; he had to bear them out for the remainder of his life. Mark Sanford as well must be held accountable and face the consequences of his poor decisions.
We know the outcome of David’s life. He penned some of scripture’s most poignant prayers. The bible says, “he died a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.” And God said “He is a man after my own heart.” Now I’m not daring to compare the spiritual or political life of Mark Sanford and King David, nor am I suggesting that he is now or will become the man that King David became. God had a plan and purpose for King David. He has a plan and a purpose for Mark Sanford. In fact he has a plan and purpose for all of His children. What I am suggesting is this, “Brother, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.
Maybe the sanctity of marriage in this country is a big deal. After all when someone falls, we suddenly remember how vital it is to our society.
Richard Skipper
Florence
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Reader Reactions
Mark Sanford went AWOL from his job for 5 days. South Carolinians are lucky that nothing happened during that time. Mark Sanford created the deception that he was hiking on the AT and put is office in the position to lie about his whereabouts and that they were in contact with him. Mark Sanford used state monies to put himself in Argentina in 2008. These are serious mistakes.
Upon his return he makes a series of bizarre decisions and irrational statements, including comparing himself to King David. He is so arrogant and he appears to have convinced himself that he is invincible. I realize that his base is full of christian conservatives and quoting the Bible can help garner support, but If he wants to start quoting scripture, he should read the part of the Old Testament that deals with the Ten Commandments that his party is always attempting to position in the government buildings of America. It seems like numbers 7 through 10 deal with adultery, stealing, giving false testimony, and coveting you neighbor’s wife.
Mark, get some professional counseling. And I don’t mean Cubby.
As a counselor and family therapist I have been interested in the Governor Sanford ordeal. It is interesting to watch the unfolding of the story, the medias response to it, and the reaction of people in general.
Unfortunately Governor Sanford uses mixed metaphors. That he is like King David—perhaps. That he has met his soul-mate—perhaps. The problem is, these ideas are incompatible and can not be used by the same person in the same sentence. These statements represent much of the governors confusion.
I trust that those who help the governor and his family help straighten out the metaphors…for it is in the mixed metaphors where not only the confusion can be found…but the hope and healing can be gained.
Nevertheless we forget, we all have mixed metaphors and the truly wise person seeks Psalm 139:23-24, not wanting such double-mindedness to create such confusion.
There is a higher mandate for Governor Sanford and his family—and I do not mean political—and I for one pray they find it.
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