Culture

It's Nothing Personal

There is no such thing as purely private behavior, whether or not one is a public figure or 'just' a father, mother or, for that matter, child.

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Russ Lipton
Contributing Columnist
Publisher, Scriptora.org
July 16, 2001

Let's assume for the sake of argument that, as of July 16, 2001, Condit is telling the truth. Telling the truth now, I mean, not earlier. So, he had an affair with Chandra Levy but he didn't know anything about her disappearance - or have anything to do with it.

(I admit this is highly unlikely and he is a proven liar about their relationship, but I said "assumption", right)?

My focus in this column is on something that touches on the Condit affair but is of far broader significance than whether this man is a murderer or merely a serial adulterer.

What is that focus? Just this: there is no such thing as purely private behavior, whether or not one is a public figure or 'just' a father, mother or, for that matter, child.

Known By Our Doings

Let's start with children. Proverbs makes it clear that "even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (20:11) Precisely. How much more then are adults so known?

Indeed, our private behavior is more, not less important, as our public role increases. Within the church, the private behavior of elders and deacons is subject to more public scrutiny than the rest of the church.

While scripture is mainly silent about government service, we can legitimately transfer the ethical requirements of eldership to politicians - or, at least, we should. The Old Testament makes it quite clear that God expects even unbelieving nations and leaders to act righteously or suffer the divine consequences - consider the Canaanites, the Ninevites and the Babylonians.

The private behavior of Gary Condit and Chandra Levy was reprehensible even before her disappearance. He cheated on his wife and manipulated a young woman. She came between a husband and wife. Both were guilty of fornication, adultery and deceit.

What does Condit's personal (yes, it is personal) behavior suggest about his public character?

It suggests (no, it demonstrates) that he is an untrustworthy man who will be just as likely to deceive and manipulate his constituents as his wife - if not more so.

Everything Is Public

In fact, we should turn the entire private-public character debate on its head. There is no more certain way of determining the general qualifications of a public servant than by their personal behavior as well as the behavior of their children.

So, while it may make some conservatives squirm, one of Al Gore's few serious qualifications for public office was his evident faithfulness and love for Tipper Gore - at least so far as we know from his own behavior and the testimony of many, many friends. Much the same could be said of President Bush.

Likewise, while the behavior of children is not a certain guide to the character of their parents, the reported behavior of both the Gore and Bush children is troubling.

Needless to say, I would not urge a vote for President solely on this basis. But I do not shrink from my essential point - there is no such thing as purely private behavior. Your personal, private behavior has a daily impact on your spouse, children, business associates, fellow believers and, indeed, everyone with whom you are in contact.

If you are on the local Board of Education, how much more true is this? And, if you are a Congressman ... ?

The Lord of the nations tells us that "nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." (Luke 8:17) He knows what happened to Chandra Levy.

If Gary Condit is wise, he will confess the whole truth that is already known .... first to God, then to his wife and, perhaps to his constituents. Heaven's vote on Gary Condit will be far more important to him than what happens in the next election.