Heros with flaws
There are many people who find fault in the most acclaimed achievers. Look around in most media and social circles and you’ll find a host of criticisms directed toward people who are trying to do good for humanity.
Whether we do or don’t agree with someone’s achievements or mission, is it fair to bring up some of their past failings? Admittedly, serious criminal activity aside, how many of us care that someone had problems or personal struggles decades ago?
It is true that you can manufacture fault about anyone, but this character assassination abounds too much and creates an unnecessary divide.
When you want to have a positive and civil discussion, you shouldn’t be bludgeoned by a past that has no relevance to the debate at hand. Yet all too often you’re met with opposing parties that inaccurately and purposely discredit you.
I think about our founding fathers and the positive contributions they made to create our government, even with historical flaws among some of them. Should the work of some be rejected because of changing morals, values and attitudes?
What about our flawed heroes in the bible?
Consider Moses, who killed a man. He fled for his life and made so many excuses to avoid God’s call that God got angry with him, reference Exodus 4:1-17. Yet, he was called the humblest man on Earth, as stated in Numbers 12:3.
Then there’s King David, who committed adultery and conspired to have the husband killed in 2 Samuel 11. However, he was still referred to as a man after God’s own heart in 1 Sam 13:14 and Acts 13:22.
And who can forget the tales of Samson who was a womanizer, a conniver and who didn’t keep to his consecration. Yet he delivered God’s people from judgement, even in his dying, as in Judges 14,15,16.
Another that is easy to point out is Apostle Paul who was formerly known as Saul and in his own words was a persecutor, states Galatians 1:13-14. Even with Paul’s seriously checkered past, God went on to use him to be the greatest apostle to whom we owe much of the New Testament readings.
Moving forward into our most recent history, can anyone of integrity and intelligence deny that past and current presidents, religious leaders and other noteworthy figures had indiscretions that betray much cultural sensitivity?
Should we deny someone’s past contributions because of a negative event? Should someone’s recognitions of historical importance be stricken from the records of history if they go on to commit some heinous act or take a politically incorrect position not in line with current popular sentiment? Why can’t we admit and confess the truth of the contribution and the detraction? If the truth is the truth, then let it fall square.
Those who precede us or who are among us today, who have done great things, all had flaws. Everyone has flaws. We should consider their greatness and forgive what we can. Accept their positive contributions and learn from their mistakes. We should not gloss over or make excuses about their sins, but seek grace with accountability. Consider what should be salvaged of someone’s reputation and impact and what of their life should be rejected or resisted.
Each of us needs to examine ourselves and be aware of overly judgmental thoughts. Today’s societal climate leaves little room for true discourse and polite debate or dialogue. Opposing sides on most issues are constantly seeking the, “I gotcha” moment.
How many of us in growing up or even today look at some people as role models? The man who volunteers for charities, the woman who mentors, the teacher, coach or instructor who influences others to be better. What happens if something reveals that person in a negative light? Truly there are some egregious issues, which would and should remove a person from influence and public authority, but this column is more about understanding that no one is perfect except God.
And while it is okay to have role models and those we look up to, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that all humans are imperfect and it’s okay to have heroes with flaws.
Blessings.