A few moments ago, the major news agencies showed video of the Governor of New York State, Eliot Spitzer, announcing that he had been linked by federal wiretaps to involvement in a high-class prostitution ring.

Spitzer is the governor of my state, and while I’ve never been a big fan of his, I fear that people Christians will choose to respond to this situation in what I feel would be an incorrect way.

Should he resign? Yes, I think so. Conservative leaders are already calling for that. But that shouldn’t be the Christian’s focus.

The Christian’s focus should be on prayer. We don’t need to condemn and demonize Spitzer. We need to pray for Albany, that the state government won’t functionally implode due to one man’s sin becoming a political a three-ring-circus. And we need to pray for the state, that a new generation of leaders with a God-honoring sense of morality would rise up. Most specifically, we need to pray for the man, and for his family. Spitzer is married, and has three daughters. Outside of his own guilt, the consequences of his sin will be highest for these four women.

Please understand that we must not think ourselves any better than this fallen man. Spitzer stated in his announcement: “…I have disappointed, and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself.” Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (ESV). If we cannot live up to our own expectations, how will we live up to the standards of a perfect and holy God?

The answer is by Grace, through Faith, in Jesus Christ.

Please join me in praying for New York, and for the Spitzer family.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS