Sometimes it’s hard to be a follower of Christ.
It’s actually not that hard in the sense of living the basic tenants…love one another, take care of each other, avoid hypocrisy, don’t be selfish, judge not that ye be not judged, etc.
Actually, that last one…tough sometimes.
In recent days quite a few fundamentalist self-proclaimed Christian politicians, who hold themselves up as moral standards to the world, have been caught with their pants down…quite literally. How a congressman from Indiana can introduce and support legislation on his version of morality while sleeping with one of his aides (not an “oops, I made a mistake,” but an ongoing, living breathing lie) is beyond me. I don’t get it.
Look, I am as human as the next man. I don’t pretend to be a symbol of all that is good and righteous. I have been married for 26 years, and so far, I have been faithful to my wife. I say so far not because I intend to be unfaithful, but because the moment I think I’m immune to infidelity is the moment I am vulnerable. But I am not immune. I will never be immune. No one is. No one.
What does this have to do with being a Canoelover? Bear with me.
When Mark Souter delivered his mea culpa speech, I was sickened. I am deeply sorry. Etc. Not as sorry as his wife, his kids, his grandkids.
Souter, a devout Christian, forgot that love one another doesn’t mean sleeping with an aide. Souter is also a promoter of abstinence only sex education. Abstain this, Mark. )Ironically, that video is a discussion between his aide, Tracy Jackson, his alleged mistress.)
Ironically, I believe that abstinence before marriage and fidelity after marriage is a good thing. I am also a realist and realize that it is not always the case. I also believe that it’s a parental responsibility to teach morality, not a school teacher, and certainly not a hypocrite like Souter. Souter, the man who was among the first to call for Larry Craig’s resignation. No, really.
“In the poisonous environment of Washington, D.C., any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain.”
How does one “twist” adultery? I get it…the poisonous environment made him do it.
I have never been and will never be ashamed to be a follower of Jesus. I love His words, who He was and what He stood for. I love what He did for me and everyone else because He loved us.
I am, however, ashamed to be associated with people who wear their religion on their sleeve as a badge of honor while dishonoring everything they supposedly stand for. One thing Jesus could not tolerate was hypocrisy.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
So there ya go. Rant over.
Today I am going paddling on the Sugar River. It is one of my favorite places to paddle in the early season. It’s beautiful and peaceful. And it will have nothing to do with politicians, adulterous or otherwise.
And that’s one more reason I’m a canoelover.
Respectfully submitted,
Canoelover