I was reading recently about a 19th century judge in Texas. Although he accomplished many good things in his life, he maintained his mistress. His close association with her continued until their death, when he was buried next to his wife and his mistress. The sad thing is that he accomplished many good things for his community, yet his tarnished reputation ruins it all. As a parent, I can not ask my children to look up and respect someone who so flagrantly disregards his marriage vows, no matter how many good things they did.
These days, leaders are often evaluated on the people they helped, the buildings they constructed or other achievements. Many of the husbands look at those men and pattern their lives after them, including the infidelities, which spoil all the accomplishments. The Biblical proverb is that a fly spoils the ointment. This is very true with any man or political leader. They may accomplish great things, but their their immoral choices ruin the whole picture. Like the commercial where a man throws chili across a painting, the peccadilloes ruin what could have been a sterling reputation for many men, like the judge, or the well known preacher who spent time in jail for his convictions, or president who had good intentions. That little bit of infidelity ruins all they did.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey D. Murrah
2 Responses
What an arrogant ‘legacy ‘ this man had …the audacity to ‘honor’ his mistress in this way ! Shocking …even by today’s standards! Shameful!
Pro 22:1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Ecc 7:1 A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
Zaza,
That is a selfish and arrogant legacy for one to leave behind. I like some of what he accomplished, but when it comes to his personal life, I am turned off in a big way, much like the painting with chili thrown across it.