Euphemizing Truth

# 4 January 25, 2010

Part 1

SC is "First in the Nation" in a number of categories, most not admirable and some utterly shameful. Unless you have been marooned on a island or engaged in a boycott of the media (I would not hold that against you) you are probably aware that one of our more recent 'egg on our face' trophies was claimed by our Governor, Mark Sanford.

He claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail. In fact, he was in Argentina seeking to convince his 'soul mate' (his description) that she should continue their adulterous affair. He was recently censored by the Legislature for this sinful and irresponsible behavior.

This is not the first time such behavior has been exhibited by a public figure and sad to say, it will not be the last. Having stated this, it should not surprise us because people, including the writer, are flat out sinners. Sinners sin. This is my point.

Part 2

When initially confronted in the Atlanta airport, he vigorously denied the facts. That is, until the reporter showed him a folder full of emails detailing in graphic terms what had been going on in the land of Evita! There was a very descriptive photo posted shortly after Tiger Woods was expsoed for his violation of the covenant of marriage. The photo showed Tiger standing by a rocky ledge and his ball lay precariously close to the edge. The caption said simply "IT IS WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT MATTERS!"

What the Governor did in his final State of the State address was to offer his 'final apology'. Rather than coming to terms with his behavior, he chose to engage what I have come to label "The Nixon Syndrome". This makes clear that it is not the offense that brings you down, it is the cover up or attempt at same.

In his 'apology' (the issue is confession and repentance, not apology), he dismissed his conduct by saying:

1. He was human.

2. He messed up.

It is not our humanity that causes our departure from Truth and fidelity, it is our sin. Not just our acts of sin, but our sin nature which came to all at the fall. Sin is defined by the text of Scripture and we can engage in honest and accurate exegesis to discover exactly what this action is and what must be done to bring correction, forgiveness and cleansing. The NT norm is confession, repentance and restitution.

Euphemizing Truth produces an additional blight on the family of mankind. As Christians we should hold the line on such sloppy speech and imprecise verbiage.

So, the next time you sin, DO NOT apply "The Nixon Syndrome". What you do next really is important. Confess, Repent, Restore and be cleansed by a merciful loving God. He created language. He gave us the text. He honors our fidelity to His Word and His person.