It is only a footnote in history now but given what has happened to former Gov. Robert Bentley, perhaps it should be remembered that most Alabama Baptists were proud of him the first time he got in trouble for what he said as governor.
It was the day of his first inauguration, Jan. 17, 2011. Bentley, who had been governor only a few hours, made an evangelistic appeal while speaking at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery.
He said, “There may be some people here today who do not have living within them the Holy Spirit. But if you have been adopted in God’s family like I have and like you have if you’re a Christian and if you’re saved and the Holy Spirit lives within you just like the Holy Spirit lives within me, then you know what that makes? It makes you and me brothers. And it makes you and me brother and sister.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ
“Now I will have to say that if we don’t have the same Daddy we’re not brothers and sisters. So anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, I’m telling you you’re not my brother and you’re not my sister and I want to be your brother.”
The national news media went wild accusing Bentley of alienating minorities and using his official governmental position to advance religion.
Most Alabama Baptists wondered why anyone who knows Baptists would find the statement shocking. Baptists believe and preach that faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord makes one a child of God and brother and sister to all others who believe in Jesus.
High hopes
The statement was made from a Baptist pulpit and was what should be expected from an active Baptist deacon and Bible teacher, most Baptists agreed. The incident was seen as evidence of who the new governor was as a Christian believer.
Baptists had high hopes Bentley, a relative unknown in the state, would provide principled leadership based on biblical teachings as leader of the state of Alabama and be a public witness for Jesus Christ at the same time.
The problem with a prominent figure being a public witness is that it increases the pressure for that person to act like a Christian in every aspect of life. If a public witness for the Lord falls, it is generally interpreted as an indictment against the Christian faith as well as against the individual.
Unfortunately Bentley appears to be one who allowed himself to get caught up in the power and prestige that goes with the State’s top office. As he left office April 10 he was described by various people as selfish, manipulative, vindictive, a bully, a liar and dishonest as well as one who indulged his sexual appetites.
His early success in economic development for the state gave way to charges that he spent little time on the people’s business and most of his time on private affairs.
Bentley had to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges and resign from office in order to avoid more serious felony charges that could have landed him in prison.
At the announcement of his resignation as governor, Bentley was still playing the religious card. He called his election “a calling from God placed on my life,” adding that “I pray every morning for wisdom and guidance” as governor.
Sad ending
But, as many observed, Bentley never apologized for his actions nor asked forgiveness from the people of Alabama. All in all it was a sad ending for one who started amid such high hopes.
Bentley had become a liability to the state and an embarrassment to the Christian faith.
But Alabama Baptists have not given up on the former governor. Several reached out to him offering to companion him through a time of repentance and restoration. Time will tell if those offers are accepted. Certainly our God is able to forgive and restore every repentant soul.
In the meantime Bentley is another example that it is harder for a Christian leader to end well than it is for that person to start well.
When Bentley walked out the door of Alabama’s governorship, another long-time Alabama Baptist walked in. Kay Ivey, a member of First Baptist Church, Montgomery, was inaugurated the state’s 54th governor within an hour of Bentley’s resignation.
Holding the Bible on which her hand rested as she took the oath of office was her pastor, Jay Wolf, who also led a prayer for the new governor as part of the ceremony. There can be little doubt that Wolf’s prominence in the swearing in was symbolic of the type leadership Ivey hopes to provide.
The new governor promised an open, honest and transparent administration and asked for patience as Alabama turned a “dark day” into a “positive opportunity.” We certainly hope she succeeds.
Ivey has served for 14 years as an elected state officer — two terms as state treasurer and was in her second term as lieutenant governor at the time of Bentley’s resignation. Before that she worked in various state departments. She is thoroughly acquainted with all aspects of state government and has no hesitancy about providing leadership.
Ivey also is an active Baptist, one whom all Alabama Baptists will want to uphold in prayer as she attempts to restore credibility to the governor’s office and move government toward addressing the pressing issues of our state.
The religious card
In Alabama a lot of political candidates play the religious card in their campaigns. Being a Christian is important. Having a worldview and a value system built on the teachings of the Bible are important.
But the Christian faith of elected officials cannot be a mile wide and an inch deep. Starting strong is not enough. Alabama needs elected officials in every area of government who are as committed to finishing strong as they are in starting strong.
May God give us elected officials of whom the people join our God in saying “well done good and faithful servant” when their time in office is completed.
Share with others: