As a Canadian, I hesitate to speak about American politics. I usually don’t even address Canadian politics. However, the current presidential race has been very tempting. The most recent event in a bizarre race has been the revelation of some very lewd comments about women by Donald Trump.
I will admit that I have not watched the video, nor do I intend to. I have heard enough about it. Nor do I want to take this as an opportunity to attack (or defend) Donald Trump.
I would prefer to look at this event and reflect on how we can all learn from this terrible situation.
I believe that the one lesson we all need to learn is that everything will eventually come to light. We might think we can let our guard down, make some unwise statements and do some foolhardy things and no one will know. Hear me very clearly:
ALL WILL BE REVEALED.
This seems to be common sense but many people, including Christian leaders, still get caught. Even Billy Graham, a Christian leader that I respect very much, found himself in this trap. And that was long before the internet.
I spent a number of years as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. One evening I observed some training on how to do searches at checkpoints. The soldier leading the training said something I will never forget. He said, “When you are searching someone, always assume someone is filming you with a smart phone and your actions are about to appear on YouTube.” In other words, never assume your words or actions are private.
There is no secret life that you can lead that will be kept separate from your public life. In those moments when you are tempted to say something or visit some website, remember that all will be revealed.
This recording of Donald Trump’s comments may have cost him the presidency.
Are you willing to accept the consequences for your actions?
