"Solemn Duty"

Today I was picked to sit on a jury duty in a criminal trial in Detroit. It is expected to be over by Thanksgiving. The judge stated that sitting on a jury is the "most solemn duty of a citizen." After having heard 1/2 day's testimony, I tend to agree with the judge. This caused me to reflect on our other duties as citizens in a modern democracy. It is too bad people most people don't treat voting and community involvement as solemn duties. If more did, this would be a stronger country.

In writing the following, Cal Trask was inspired by the recent Haggard scandal to write his own "pastor's perspective" on the actions of people such as Haggard and Foley and Lay, and share his views of what these stories can teach us. He also writes his own three step approach for being true to oneself.

I find his words idealistic, if somewhat judgmental, yet hopeful. Today this point of view is too often viewed as unrealistic and nieve. These words give us an ideal to strive towards. And some people do. Some people work for the common good. Some people work for their own good at the expense of others. Far too many can go either way. This is as true for nations, as it is for people.

"Watch Your Life

In today's climate of scandal after public scandal it is easy to feel betrayed by our leaders and public officials. From loose financial practices to perverted sexual advances this proves that these people who we have put our trust in are all too human. In our 21st century of immediate gratification, we are able to indulge our desires and ourselves nearly instantly...and many times without the knowledge of the people around us. This brings me to my point. I have recently read an article by C.J. Mahoney entitled The Pastor's Priorities. I thought I'd read it in light of the recent Scandal involving Ted Haggard. C.J.'s point was that even though we may be able to see another's sin very well...we may not be able to see our own as clearly.

Today the media gives us many examples of men who are the lowest of the low in most everyone's mind...But did they begin this way? Men like Haggard and Foley and Lay were men of high stature with good reputations to boot. Men of Character...Men who people looked up to. What happened? How could men of this caliber fall into this kind of thing? Think about this...Your mind is a funny thing. I heard someone say once that we spend too much time listening to ourselves and not enough time talking to ourselves." In short we talk ourselves into believing our own lies! All of these men at one time were NOT robbing their employees or engaging in adultery but they were listening to what their mind was telling them..."it's ok...no one will find out"..." It's only a little money and besides you are taking care of your family"...Unfortunately these men ignored the warning lights of their consciences and continued to engage in immoral activity. What can we learn from this? How do we not become these men? It's not as easy as it seems.

1. Watch yourself. Don'’t put yourself in situations where you might be tempted. If you have a tendency towards greed, don't handle money. If your eyes wander, don't be alone with your secretary. Keep your nose clean.

2. Know what you believe. Have some standards. Go to church. Keep others in mind before you make decisions that will affect them. Think about your family. Think about what you'’re about to do.

3. Ask your friends and your family what your character flaws are. Do something about them. Be nice.

And finally, if none of this has prevented you from your immoral act, and you get caught.

TELL THE TRUTH!!!!

Don't lie. Most people aren't idiots.

You'll feel better and it gives others a chance to forgive you."

- Cal Trask

Cal delivers good old fashioned advice, but far too many people in positions of power have poor self-control all up and down the food-chain.

I also don't agree that Haggard was a man of 'good moral character' to begin with. Not at least as Cal seems to define it. Haggard is gay. I'm sure this was not Haggard's first gay encounters. What happened has not only happened recently. Gay is as gay does. Haggard is gay. He has always been that way. By acting on his gayness, he was being true to himself. Haggard's attempts to wiggle out of his truth with weak lies once he was caught were sadly pathetic.

Acts of perversion and pervesions of power are not a new "21st Century" phenomenon. Backtabbing, robbing, murdering, raping, pillaging, plundering, getting high, and getting laid are as old as human society. People will sin. It is the duty of the sinner's peers and officials to demand accountability when the sinner's behavior jeoporadizes the common good. Short of that it is time for 'We the People' to call for oversight. Maybe we have only just begun.

Will America Lead?


Cross-posted at: Bring It On! - Politics