Gordon MacDonald is one of the three pastors President Clinton now summons for weekly prayer and guidance -- what he calls his "accountability group." And he included MacDonald, senior minister at Grace Chapel outside Boston, for a special reason. The president told MacDonald he'd read his book, Rebuilding Your Broken World. Twice. But he's taken little of the advice MacDonald offers. MacDonald was head of a large mission agency 12 years ago when he was caught in adultery. What he did next is instructive.
MacDonald quit his post and began two years of rehab on his life and marriage. His advice for the truly repentant? Withdraw. Go on retreat with your spouse. Spend time -- months, maybe longer -- in "quiet places." Don't defend yourself or complain about others. He writes: "This is no hour for plotting what the politicians call a comeback." He and his wife, Gail, found "we just might accomplish more for people" by praying "than all the speaking and writing we might have ever done." What's especially needed is discipline, MacDonald writes, and this "usually means restrictions: being relieved of certain responsibilities."
Sound advice, for sure. Just don't expect Clinton to take any of it.