I Like Newt, But...

The Republican Presidential primary season is fast upon us and like Christmas, we must make I wishes known.  I am in a bit of a quandary.  I like Newt Gingrich.  He is the smartest one out of the bunch.  He's the guy you want when the teacher says that the class should break-up into groups of five for a team quiz for 10 bonus points on the next test.  But he's got more personal baggage than the Hilton sisters and the Olsen twins combined.  Married three times coupled with marital infidelity, including having an affair while lambasting President Bill Clinton for his indiscretion with Monica Lewinsky.  Gingrich is known for having hissy-fits when he doesn't get his way. 

I think in choosing a president one must look to 1 Tim 3:1-7:

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)  ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.  ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Now you may ask, "Harry what does 1 Tim 3:1-7 have to do with politics?"  Not only do I believe in the maxim that whether it one is a Christian or not, past conduct is a guide to future performance, what one does in their personal life will filter into their public life.  This especially true in politics or religion for that matter.  In verse 2, "blameless (anepilēmptos)," is outward, meaning "he must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach" (Amplified Bible).  I would rather that he or she be the husband of one wife or husband, but if a candidate presents himself or herself as viable, and the circumstances of the divorce is understandable, then perhaps.  Continuing in verse 2, "vigilant (nēphalios)," Strong's defines as "sober, temperate."  I like the Amplified Bible's description of "circumspect."  When I think of the word circumspect, I think of one walking along rocks strategically placed across a creek.  As they cross, they carefully without placing their full weight upon the rock in front of them to see if it is not slippery or lose before standing on it.  I would want a president who would guard what they would say or do.  Newt is not known for his temperate speech.  When it comes to the crucial decisions, I want someone to weigh all the options before setting America down a path which is impossible to turn from.

For verses 4 & 5, I think that a person who has a good handle on his personal life will show it in his professional life.  Lastly, in verse 6, one must not be a novice, because they would most assuredly be a person of whom one will try to take advantage. 
Now, note I referred to "she" and "herself."  Does the Bible frown upon women being leaders in society today?  As far as business or public office, no!  Lydia, a seller of purple, the Apostle Paul's first convert in Philippi was a woman of means and offered hospitality to visiting missionaries in her home.
In 2008, I voted for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution party, a Christian.  I Christian is not always the best choice; I cite Jimmy Carter in 1976.

This year, I don't know for sure.  As I mentioned before, I like Newt, but... it will probably be Rick Santorum.