Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll, in novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was a respected 19th century doctor who concocted a personality-altering potion that turned him into Mr. Hyde, an out-of-control threat on the after-dark streets of London. Little by little, the evil Mr. Hyde took over, until all the good Dr. Jekyll had done was destroyed.

How ironic the similarities are between Stevenson's story and the tragic fall of one of America's political stars, New York's recently elected governor, Eliot Spitzer. In these stories we find striking parallels regarding the penalties that come from living a double life.

Mr. Spitzer made his reputation as a crime-fighting district attorney who prosecuted white-collar crime and broke up big-dollar prostitution rings catering to the wealthy. Millions looked to him as the "knight in shining armor" who would ride in to save the day, protecting the people from the evil that surrounds them. Now, disgraced – accused of the very same crimes he once prosecuted – he has been forced to resign his high office. How tragic for the state of New York, his family and all those who had idolized him.

Our deepest sympathy should go out to the Spitzer family. There should be no rejoicing in this man's self-destruction. Even many of his political friends and enemies are no doubt saying to themselves, "There but for the grace of God go I."

We should not be too quick to condemn Mr. Spitzer. Jesus Christ cautioned that we must be sure all our deeds are clean before we point a finger at someone else. "Judge [condemn] not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-3).

We in the United States seem to be obsessed with the search for leaders who will save us from imminent doom and give everyone all the good things in life. But has any politician ever permanently solved our problems? As we look back through history, we have to admit that most leave office having accomplished little – or, in many cases, having left their constituents with bigger problems than before they were elected. If even Elliott Spitzer – long thought to be one of the best and brightest political heroes – has "feet of clay," then where does that leave the rest of us?

In carrying out the duties of his office, Mr. Spitzer seems to have executed his responsibilities faithfully. However, in his personal life, he succumbed to a weakness common to mankind. "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do" (Matthew 23:2-3). Only one individual has the deeds that truly match His words. Only that One is truly capable of saving humanity. He will not be elected, and His example is beyond reproach. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Eliot Spitzer is no better – and no worse – than the rest of us. We all must fight to suppress the "Mr. Hyde" we keep private in our carnal human nature. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Thankfully, God can forgive us and will provide the means to overcome our sinful nature; please read our booklet Your Ultimate Destiny, to learn more. You can read it online or order a free printed copy at this website.