There is an old and wise saying that "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". I do not subscribe to the belief that this saying is always true. And if true, not always true to the extent implied in the saying. However, I am an example of how power can corrupt even the most honorable of men, and in order to inform you on my meaning, I must give you some background on myself and my upbringing.

I was raised to the highest standards of honor and integrity. Truth was an essential, and almost always followed, even at my own expense. "Do unto others" was also a tremendously important element of my training, both as a child and as a youth. All of these teachings and traits were instilled in me not only by my Mother and Father, but also by my Grandfather and many other wonderful adults in my young life. And when I say "instilled", I mean it. Some of the traits I acquired were honor, honesty, character, integrity, charity, empathy, and so on. These were not just surface dressing, but deeply embedded in my being and soul. And they remain so, stronger now than ever before. This is not to brag on myself, but to let you know the wonderful foundation that my elders laid for me.

When only a year out of law school, I was appointed Municipal Judge in Reform and Carrollton, Alabama. In those capacities I always endeavored to administer equal justice to all, regardless of race, wealth or station in life. And I did so. I rejected all bribes offered me, and even threatened criminal charges against one wealthy man who attempted to bribe me. Then, in 1986, I was elected by the good people of Pickens County, Alabama, to the District Court bench. In that capacity, I continued the high standards of administering justice which I had adopted at the Municipal Court level. In addition, I rejected all efforts to persuade me to rule on any case based on the political advantage to me which would result. As a consequence, I made a few enemies among the influential in my home County, which I do not regret. 
     
All the while I was a Judge, a total, at both levels, of twenty-six years, I never consciously did anything which would smack of a bribe or improperly influenced judicial decision. Anyone who really knows me would testify to my honor and character. In these senses, I was not corrupted by the power of the offices I held. But I was corrupted nevertheless, albeit unknowingly. The corruption of power is often a subtle thing, and more often than not, not even realized by the one holding that power. It comes in many ways and assumes many forms. It is to be constantly and consciously guarded against. I thought I was guarding against it; but it is a sinister being, and assumes benign forms.

My corruption was not in bribes, or improper rulings from the bench, or in any other of the ways people usually associate with the word "corruption". No, mine was in becoming arrogant in my own goodness, empathy and charity. Unbeknownst to myself, I gradually drifted away from giving God the glory in all things, and began to assume for myself the aura of goodness which was His gift to me. The danger in this was that I erred in the way I sought to help others, and failed to heed, or even to understand, the admonition "To thine own self be true".

I realize now that, even though this appears to be selfless, it is in fact not so. I have discovered, through much reflection and self-examination, in the light of God's Word and guidance, that not to look out for one's self is in fact selfish, as it allows one to become arrogant without knowing it, and to place one's self in circumstances that are not healthy, either for self or others.

And why am I disclosing this great fault to you now? Because my corruption was so subtle, and because I was so blind to it. Because I want to help others, in positions of power and influence, to understand that corruption does not have to come from a bad character, or from greed, but can come from the most innocent of motives, and even from a sincere humility.

In fact, I believe that what corrupted me was coming to a point where I became prideful of my own humility. Strange as that may sound, it is an illustration of the deception which Satan can play upon someone in a position of power, for I truly was humbled by the power of my position, especially after I became a District Judge. Deeply humbled. And because I was so humbled by that power, I was blind to the pride that gradually, subtly supplanted my humility. True humility was transformed into a facade that I did not recognize, hiding pride, of which I was unaware - unknowing arrogance cloaked in humility. How blinded I was! Only after I left office, and only after much self-examination, did I discover the pride that brought about my self-deception. So, dear reader, if you hold any position of power (and there are many such positions, many more humble than that of a Judge, such as teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, government workers, and so on) be aware of the Devil' s powers of deception, by which he can corrupt you in subtle but destructive ways - the end result being harm to yourself and/or to others.

I would rather say, based on all of my life experiences, that "Power can often corrupt, and sometimes corrupt absolutely, in subtle and unknowing ways, even the best of men". My confession, here, is an admonishment, to myself and to you, to always be on guard against the trickeries of evil, and to look to God, always, for the guidance that will lead you down the straight and narrow, righteous path. Only in this will you avoid the pitfalls of power, and then only through constant vigilance - listening attentively to the 'still, small voice' of the Spirit without ceasing.

God bless and guide you, always.

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