General David Petraeus’ agenda has always been to instill fear into any enemy of the United States. He served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for a little over a year until he requested his resignation a couple of weeks ago. General Patraeus was a key player in the war against Iraq back in 2003 and in the years after.  

His medals, accolades, and honors during and after his 37 years of military service granted him the highest position in the military that an American could achieve. He survived a bullet wound in the chest from an M-16 rifle, and a parachute accident where he fractured his pelvis.  Books have been written about his leadership style, his principles and work etiquette. He is an intelligent, courageous and disciplined man, but also an adulterer.

At 60 years old, General Patraeus gave his resignation letter to President Obama. The letter read: “After being married for 37 years, I had an extramarital affair. This type of behavior is unacceptable to both a husband and a leader of an organization such as ours.”

To onlookers, the obvious question would be: How could someone so accomplished and intelligent, who has such a high position and so many years of marriage throw it all away because of a woman?

How could it be? In truth, this story shows that the more power a man has, the more likely he is to betray his wife. The sense of invincibility, self-importance and authority – added to being the center of attention – is almost always a fatal cocktail to the male ego.

Patraeus enters into the list of great leaders who conquered the world but lost the war against themselves. These men didn’t know how to make their marriage bulletproof.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

The unfortunate fall of this hero serves as a warning to all men:

• Don’t trust yourself
• Don’t get friendly with other women once you’ve married (Patraeus had a relationship with a woman who happened to be writing his biography.)
• Don’t think that success gives you the right to get away with extramarital activities without any consequences.

The war against ourselves is the most important war we need to overcome.

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