Does Unfaithfulness Disqualify Leaders?

Misconduct by public officials is becoming increasingly commonplace in the news.

Some cry for the resignation of guilty parties, or removing them from consideration for public office. Others insist that the private lives of public officials should not affect the performance of their public duties. They feel that misconduct and persuasive misrepresentation is to be expected in the political arena. Still others say that they should be judged only by their qualifications and job skills, not their morals.

Should a leader's conduct in private life be considered part of his or her job qualifications? Is there any connection between one's personal life and public duties?

More specifically, should adultery disqualify someone from public office?

The Bible acknowledges many parallels between family relationships and public service. The stability of one's family is a prerequisite for other leadership responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:4-5).

Marriage is an important commitment. Breaking or compromising this commitment reflects a serious breach of character that most definitely affects job performance. If someone is unfaithful to his or her mate, will he or she also be unfaithful in other commitments?

Adultery includes other character flaws and indicates a lack of vital leadership qualities. Giving in to sexual temptation reveals a weakness and vulnerability that could be exploited to the detriment of one's constituency.

In principle adultery involves lying, cheating and stealing, literally living a lie.

God condemned the leaders of Israel for this kind of life-style and the effect it had on the whole nation. "They commit adultery and walk in lies; they also strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness" (Jeremiah 23:14). The latter part of this passage speaks to a leader's influence as a role model.

When public officials, athletes and others in the limelight are allowed to get away with inappropriate behavior, they set the pace for others to follow.

Expositor's Bible Commentary observation about the expression "destroys himself" in Proverbs 6:32 is "In a morally healthy society the adulterer would be a social outcast." So public reaction to the immorality of our leaders and other role models is a barometer of our national moral and spiritual health. Interesting that the first part of this verse in New International Version says, "He that commits adultery lacks judgment." Of course "judgment," the ability to make wise decisions, is a critical quality for leaders.

Sadly, what is condemned in real life often passes for entertainment in the form of television sitcoms, adding to the downward spiral. Today's news stories suggest that, as Jeremiah bewailed, "The land is full of adulterers" (Jeremiah 23:10).

A spouse's support is a significant benefit to anyone in a leadership position (Proverbs 31:10-12,23). But it has been said, "Adultery is to a marriage what a knife is to a back." Many have learned the tragic lesson that adultery can destroy a marriage and ruin lives and careers.

Mercy and forgiveness are basic Christian virtues. But mercy does not remove all the penalties of broken laws. Nor does it qualify a ruler to go on misruling. Neither does forgiveness remove the pain. The Bible warns of devastating, lifelong consequences for sin. Adultery is a prime example. "A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away" (Proverbs 6:32-33, NIV).

The family unit has long been considered the fundamental building block of the nation. Stable, happy successful marriages and families make for a strong nation. But, when immoral conduct goes unchecked, whole nations pay the price.