OPINION:
“Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” — Henry Kissinger
President Trump is on a roll, claiming victory after victory against the “swamp.” Some of his decisions are being challenged in court, but others, such as closing the border and deporting migrants with criminal records, are likely to be sustained. Polls show they are popular. Foreign policy is another matter, but we’ll see whether the president’s “art” of dealmaking works to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
One enemy is far more dangerous than any foreign threat, and it is not the high price of eggs. That enemy is pride, which, as Scripture warns, “goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
Perhaps the most famous validation of that ancient truth in modern times and an example of pride’s self-destructive inner nature was the collapse of the Nixon administration over the Watergate scandal. President Nixon had scored a resounding victory for a second term in the 1972 election, but pride, especially that of his chief counsel, Charles W. Colson, brought it all down.
I have been rereading Mr. Colson’s bestselling 1976 book, “Born Again.” It’s about how his extreme loyalty to Nixon and the “dirty tricks” unleashed against Democrats by people hired by members of the administration resulted in his conviction and ultimate spiritual transformation.
The story will be familiar, especially to Christians of a certain age and those who have read the book — 2 million have been sold — or seen the movie. As the “gate” began to close on the administration, Mr. Colson visited his old friend Tom Phillips, president of Raytheon Corp. in Boston. He noticed a difference. Mr. Colson writes that Mr. Phillips explained that his life had been transformed after accepting Jesus Christ and suggested that Mr. Colson read C.S. Lewis’ classic “Mere Christianity.”
Taking no chance he might not, Mr. Phillips read Mr. Colson the chapter about pride in which Mr. Lewis wrote: “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free. … Pride (or self-conceit) leads to every other vice.”
Mr. Phillips said Mr. Colson and the Nixon administration brought all their troubles on themselves.
When Mr. Colson entered his car to leave, he described himself breaking down in tears because he knew Mr. Phillips was right. Pride was leading to his downfall. He eventually accepted Christ as his Savior.
In court, Mr. Colson pleaded guilty to this charge: “On or about June 28, 1971, and for a period of time thereafter, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere … defendant unlawfully, willfully and knowingly did corruptly endeavor to influence, obstruct and impede the due administration of justice in connection with the criminal trial of Daniel Ellsberg.”
Mr. Colson went to prison, but his experience gave him a vision to establish a ministry to inmates, which he called Prison Fellowship. The organization helps prisoners and their families and endures after his death in 2012.
No one would argue that Mr. Trump displays the characteristics of a humble man. Yes, it is possible to be a strong leader with a humble spirit, but Mr. Trump does not reflect that inner quality.
History is replete with leaders consumed with and destroyed by pride. Let this serve as a warning, Mr. President. The best friends speak the truth, disregarding the effect it might have on their positions. Will you listen and avoid the fate of others who traveled down this dead-end road and learned too late to regret it?
• Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book, “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
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