Character matters. But what we are witnessing in too many of today’s leaders and role models is a troubling double standard. This tears at the nation’s moral fabric, demoralizes citizens and plants seeds of doubt and cynicism that are not healthy in a democracy.

The latest example are the confessions of marital infidelity by South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. This is the same man who spoke out and loudly condemned former President Bill Clinton for his marital infidelity. Sanford touts himself to voters as a moral conservative and espouses family values.

But then he turns around and cheats on his wife and children. How can voters trust a political leader if he is willing to lie to and cheat his own family? Can the people of South Carolina trust what Sanford says or does on behalf of their state? If he would hurt his family multiple times, what might he be willing to do to South Carolina residents?

Whether politicians, ministers, or sports, entertainment and business role models, their personal behavior affects countless others who depend on them and who look up to them.

Whether we are talking about marital infidelity, financial cheating, sexual indiscretions or personal moral foibles and addictions, those who breach the public trust tarnish their position. From the local city councilman, mayor and pastor to the corridors of state and national capitols to the offices of business and industry, good character and public trust go hand in hand. ...

— The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun

Our perspective

It’s amazing really how wide the chasm has become between what we judge as inappropriate in others and what we deem as unacceptable in ourselves.

Perhaps it’s why Jesus, in his New Testament teachings, warned against judging others. One has to wonder how a politician, a minister or a teacher can spew out venon about sexual misconduct, poor business deals and misguided judgements and then, in another breath, cheat on their husband or wife, molest children and steal from their employees?

Yet that’s what’s happening in this world today.

Somehow we’ve lost our ability to understand that being of moral character applies to us all and that while we all make mistakes, we should be mindful of the positions we hold, the venon we spout and the way our lives will be viewed by others.

It is true in many ways that the lives we live preach the loudest sermon. And there are people all around us listening.

We owe it to ourselves and those who look up to us to do the very best we can to live up to the character we purport to have. It should be more than a mirage. Our actions should, indeed, speak louder than our words.

No question we know right from wrong. That being the case, we should stop far short of crossing the line that moves us from someone with a strong moral fiber to someone who is having to explain their actions at every turn.