Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Aug. 2, 2012

“The Art of Self-Destruction”
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” – Proverbs 6:32

Self-Destruction is the term we use to describe a person or organization that falls apart primarily as the direct result of their own poor, unwise decisions and/or actions. It could and does apply also to governments, families, marriages, sports teams and unfortunately, churches.
In 1984, a young senator from Colorado by the name of Gary Hart was making waves in both the Democratic party as well as on the national political scene. His 1984 campaign slogan was "New Ideas, New Generation." Hart's new ideas were to avoid traditional means of treating problems. Instead of a choice between conservatism and liberalism, he wanted to create a third option and focused on trying to convince the public that the real choice is between the past and the future. Hart spoke for individual rights and a respect for free enterprise and economic productivity. He claimed independence from party leaders and special interests. His appeals were directed to the emerging group of young, upwardly mobile professionals ("yumpies" or "yuppies,” as the terms were popularized at the time) - a new generation of educated men and women born after World War II.
Almost overnight his long-shot candidacy vaulted from the back of an eight-candidate race to the forefront after unexpected victories in the New Hampshire primary and the Iowa party caucuses. Riding a wave of momentum, he captured party delegates in New England and other states during February and March 1984. However, the fast pace of success could not keep up with the need for organization in many states. His momentum was lost to a well-organized campaign and support from labor and other interest groups for former Vice-President Walter F. Mondale. At the Democratic nominating convention, Hart lost to Mondale by a narrow margin—leading many to believe he would make a great candidate for the next election. In 1986 Hart did not seek a third term in the Senate, instead he continued to advance his issues and causes, and in 1987 he began another campaign for the presidency. But this time, Hart's campaign was hampered, not by another candidate, but by rumors of his womanizing, rumors that he adamantly denied. To attempt to get his candidacy back on track Hart openly challenged the press to follow him. They did! Shortly thereafter, reporters from the Miami Herald "caught" Hart with 29-year-old model/actress Donna Rice. It was revealed that the pair had vacationed together, and Hart withdrew from the race—losing any momentum he had. It also damaged his marriage and his reputation. That is self-destruction!
It is my belief that self-destruction is not something that just randomly comes about but is often the direct result of a pattern of thought and/or action. You almost have to work it for it to happen and when it does it is not a minor breakdown but a major train-wreck, as the illustration for the life of Gary Hart proves. Self-destruction occurs when one or several know what the right thing to do is—but be it pride, arrogance or stupidity, they choose to ignore the right and go ahead with their plans or actions. I see it destroying families, almost on a daily basis. I’ve seen more than a couple of churches fall apart—a couple from a family or a couple of people demanding their way and another as the pastor did the same. Two of those churches today are a mere shell of their former selves and the latter ended up closing. Final conclusion—does this glorify God?
If you are following along a path of self-destruction I would ask you take a minute and consider that your pattern and/or actions are not isolated to your own life but will impact those around you as well. Stop now…seek God…seek forgiveness and direction…and get back on the path of righteousness that leads to strength…hope and glory.
Pastor J. T. Carnell.