Was Petraeus Poisoned by Power?

General Petraeus joins the list of proud, powerful men who thought they were entitled to anything and invulnerable to its consequences, e.g., Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Elliot Spitzer.  Of course it doesn't always lead to adultery. Currently, three other 4-star generals are under investigation for taking government resources for personal use. Nor is it limited to government leaders. Anyone in a position of authority—policemen, doctors, teachers, clergymen—can abuse it.

As a student of human behavior, it appears to me that a culture that values self-esteem as ours does is a breeding ground for such entitlement—even in Christian leaders. Remember the warning by Paul that in the latter days, men would be lovers of self (2 Tim 3:2)? When God gave the Promised Land to the Israelites, He knew they would be vulnerable to the pride of success.

Thus He warned: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget your God… For when you have become prosperous and have built fine homes to live in… be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you... and did it all so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy’… Remember the Lord is the one who gives you power to be successful” (Deut. 8:11-17, edited).