This article first appeared in Grace Magazine in 1998
With the change of government last year it was tempting to think that political corruption and sleaze was a thing of the past but it has been very much with us so far in 1998. In Britain, nationally and locally, in America, in Japan and elsewhere charges of misdealing and infidelity abound. Even Martin Bell the anti-sleaze candidate has not escaped accusations of financial irregularity.
The fifth commandment calls on us not only to honour our parents but implies respect to the powers that be in church and state. When succeeding commands are read in this light we see that they oblige those in authority not to take advantage of their position as a means to financial gain, sexual conquest or acts of violence. Further, they are obliged to be honest in all their dealings and flee covetousness. Yet it is clear from the history of every age that many do not. How should Christians react when accusations against those in power are flying?
Bear in mind that you do not know everything
Most of what we know of misdemeanours in high places has come out when the leaders in question are no longer in office. Such acts are committed in comparative secrecy and it is usually later that they come to general attention. The violence of an Amin, the financial duplicity of a Lloyd-George, the adulteries of a Kennedy, the dishonesty of many otherwise laudable men are things more widely known now than they were at the time. A few are found out while still in office, as were Nixon and Reagan, but not always. Before we leap to blame one man and hold up another as a paragon of virtue we do well to remember our ignorance. Just as The sins of some men are obvious reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; so the sins of others trail behind them.
Refuse to believe everything you read
Similarly, just as some are able to give the appearance of probity though quite immoral so we must recognise that not every piece of mud thrown necessarily sticks. There are many with vested interests in dragging a leader down and there are many whose lust for fame and fortune makes them willing to confirm or deny as required. Further, newspapers are notoriously unreliable. With one eye on the sales figures, the other on the deadline, they hastily throw together articles that can be wildly inaccurate. If you have ever read an article in a newspaper on something you know anything about, you will have no doubt winced at the inaccuracies. Practically every day conscientious newspapers print corrections to previous articles. Not every mistake is rectified. ‘Believe nothing you hear and only half you read’ overstates the case but is worth remembering.
Remember that power corrupts, so do not be surprised at abuses
It was Lord Acton who observed that ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Because of human depravity this is almost inevitable. Democracy recognises this and purposely seeks to limit opportunities for abuses of power, yet they do and will occur. We ought not to be surprised.
How should we react when those in power are guilty of theft, immorality, violence, dishonesty or greed?
Opinion seems polarised. On one hand some say, provided it does not interfere directly with their public role, it does not matter. But it is surely naïve to suppose that a man who goes back on his marriage vows or who is less than honest when declaring his financial interests is unlikely to be corrupted in other ways. Why should we suppose his life can be neatly divided into public and private with no cross-fertilisation?
Then there is the idea that every man found guilty of adultery, dishonesty or greed be immediately removed from office. This is equally naïve. It makes ‘You shall not get caught’ the great commandment and unrealistically excludes from public office all but the most circumspect.
Rather, should we not say that where serious sin is evident that should be made known and where there is no credible repentance voters should be alerted to the man’s unreliability. The rule of saints is a wonderful dream but meanwhile we have to accept that most state leaders have been and are very much men with feet of clay. Some graciousness from political opponents would also go a long way to encouraging leaders to public repentance.
Remember why we are to respect the authorities that exist
t is important to remember that we must respect the authorities that exist not because they are morally superior but because they have been established by God. They are God’s servants. You remember how mortified Paul was once when he realised he had spoken out at the High Priest. Why? Not because the High Priest was godly but because it is a sin to speak evil against a leader of your people. There must be respect for the office even when we find it difficult to respect the individual. This does not mean that corruption should be ignored but it does mean to say that the office carries its own authority. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men says Peter. Show proper respect for everyone he adds.
Remember the chief thing to pray in regard to the powers that be
In 1 Timothy 2 Christians are told to pray for those in authority chiefly that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Sometimes that may involve praying in unexpected ways. When the USSR invaded Afghanistan some years ago, most of the democratic world was dismayed. However, it was clear to many Christians that in God’s providence opportunities were thus opened up for gospel advance. Or to take another example. The dictator Papa Doc Duvalier was basically bad news for the people of Haiti. However, that wicked man had some sympathy towards evangelical Christianity and opened up opportunities for the godly for which they were thankful. The point is that the Bible does not encourage us to pray, ‘Lord our head of state is an adulterer. Remove him.’ Rather it is the gospel that should be our focus. Pray for its advance.
Look to yourself and beware of contamination
When we read of the sins of others and the accusations that are levelled against them there is a danger. Ephesians 5:12 says it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. Reading such details can corrupt in and of itself and can also tempt us to think that we can do the same. But that is foolish. Rather, we should look to ourselves and plead with God that we will not fall into such sins.
