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ESSAY: FACING UP TO THE TENSIONS BETWEEN ACKNOWLEDGING FAILURE AND OFFERING FORGIVENESS

RUSSELL STUBBINGS writes of the tensions between acknowledging failure and offering forgiveness in the wake of the recent media storm surrounding Kevin Rudd’s behaviour in New York four years ago…

The recent media expose of Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd and his “error of judgment” highlights the fickle nature of both politics and public opinion. I have been staggered to read and hear that most Australians aren’t bothered by Rudd’s escapades of some four years ago, noting that it makes him seem more like a normal guy. Others say it was four years ago and is no longer relevant or important. Was he not a senior politician at the time? Am I the only one bothered by his behaviour? Have our standards slipped so far that drunken behaviour at a strip club is regarded as normal? If so, I am clearly way out of touch.

“There is a very real tension that exists between acknowledging failures and their consequences, and simply ignoring personal issues based on the ‘we all make mistakes’ perspective.”

And yet, at the same time I am reminded that as a Christian, even as a human being, there is a need to be forgiving and gracious. An attitude that embraces the understanding that all of us as humans are prone to error, none of us are above or beyond personal failings, and as such, there must be a willingness to forgive, a willingness to avoid mere judgmentalism, lest we also be judged as we judge others. There is a very real tension that exists between acknowledging failures and their consequences, and simply ignoring personal issues based on the “we all make mistakes” perspective.

Now to Kevin Rudd. How do we understand and deal with his exploits of some four years ago? While drinking and attending “gentlemen’s clubs” is socially acceptable behaviour in our modern world – at least in some circles, it would seem to me that higher standards should be expected of those who see themselves as fit for public office, in this case, the highest position in the land. Surely, a higher standard must be upheld by those who seek the prestige and honour of elevated status and position? I once heard something along the lines of “higher calling, higher cost” illustrating that for those who desire positions of authority and influence there is a cost which they must choose to accept. For Kevin Rudd, and others who seek political power, surely part of this cost is choosing to live in a way that places them above reproach. This must be incredibly difficult as the life of a politician, celebrity, or even a sportstar becomes public property where no boundary is regarded as sacred.

Even apart from his faith (which makes the responsibility to live with moral and ethical integrity even greater) Rudd, as a politician, needed to diligently live in a way that would not allow mud to be slung. Unfortunately, he has opened himself up to accusations of immorality and unacceptable behaviour which contrasts sharply with his Christian faith, provoking the inevitable charge of hypocrisy so often used against those of us who profess to be Christian. 

What are we to make of the presentation delivered by Kevin Rudd via the recent Australian Christian Lobby meeting in Canberra? Obviously the Christian vote is important, especially now with the rise of the Family First party, which although not a Christian political party, has traditionally attracted a fair percentage of the Christian vote. Clearly the Rudd and Howard show was designed to target the Christian voting population. But, have we as Christian voters merely been the victims of a political stunt? I would assume this not to be the case and would tend to err on the side of accepting the sincerity of the presentation. Although, in some ways, I now find it harder to trust anything Kevin Rudd says in order to win my vote as a Christian voter. Why? Because in my mind he has undermined his reputation, distanced himself from the Christian population through his behaviour. At the same time, it would be wrong to allow this to be the only issue which influences my vote at the next election. Important policy matters should prove the basis for voting decisions.

I must admit, though, that as a Christian voter I feel slightly cheated. Had this been John Howard I would feel the same. It is not a matter of feeling this way because of political affiliation, but because this is not the type of behaviour I expect from any leader, let alone one who claims his Christianity openly.

What, then, should we expect from our leaders? Clearly more than this, especially from one who professes to be a Christian. There is a distinct responsibility to practice what one preaches; to set an example; to be above reproach. Am I being unforgiving, showing a distinct lack of grace, being overly judgmental? That is certainly not my intention. I am however exploring the issue, attempting to balance forgiveness and grace against, dare I use the word, sin. 

A degree of tension exists between forgiveness and failure, and it is this tension that must be balanced in this case, and throughout life in general. I know that if I fail morally there will be consequences. Trust will be broken, and my actions will overwhelm any words I may have previously spoken. My 12-year-old son knows this. It is a rule of the universe. Our actions have consequences. Yes, as Christians we must forgive and show grace, but we also need to discern right from wrong. 

Condemning Kevin Rudd for his behaviour is not an expression of unforgiveness, it is merely a response to behaviour which is in stark contrast to his profession of faith. Forgiveness does not imply ignorance or acceptance of the inappropriate behaviour. There are times where the process of forgiveness must address the transgression in order for growth and learning to take place. No doubt Kevin Rudd has learnt from this error of judgment, and whilst a painful lesson, it may well be one that helps him move forward in a positive way.

A passage in an old book of wisdom now regarded by many as being irrelevant warns against the consequences of inappropriate behaviour resulting from a lack of personal discipline. A guy by the name of Paul wisely wrote: “I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize”. As a Christian leader, Paul knew that his own behaviour was the measuring stick against which his message would be judged. A lack of discipline, a moral stumble, would result in disqualification and a lack of credibility. His platform would be undermined, and all that he said and did would be discredited. Kevin Rudd would do well to heed this advice. His behaviour has damaged his reputation, and any message he brings will be flavoured by his lack of personal discipline on that night four years ago which he now certainly regrets. 

Two final comments are pertinent. Firstly, and importantly, as Jim Wallace so graciously noted, our attitude should be like Jesus, allowing the one without sin to cast the first stone. How do we do this? By being rightly concerned and even aggrieved, but avoiding legalistic judgment. Secondly, this issue can bring positive results by serving as a wake-up call to all politicians. The Australian public needs to send a message to our leaders that their integrity does matter, their actions are important, and we expect more from them. Whether this lack of discipline causes Kevin Rudd to be disqualified from the prize he seeks at the next election only time will tell.

 

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