The objective of General David Petraeus was to ward off any and all enemies of America. But Petraeus has now resigned as CIA director, a post he held for just under one year, after years of leading US military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Medals, awards and honors throughout his 37 years of military service caused him to rise to the highest level of the U.S. military. He survived a shot to the chest from an M-16 rifle and a parachute accident that fractured his pelvis. Books have been written about his leadership style, principles and work ethic. He is a smart, courageous, disciplined man… and also an adulterer.

General Petraeus is 60 years old and included the following phrase in his letter of resignation to President Obama: “After 37 years of marriage I had an affair. This type of behavior is unacceptable, both for a husband and for the leader of an organization like ours.”

The obvious question to observers is: How can a person of such ability, intelligence and power, who’s been married for so many years, throw it all away because of one woman?

But history shows that the more power a man has, the greater the likelihood he will betray his wife. Feelings of invincibility, self-importance and authority—along with being the center of attention— are a fatal cocktail for the male ego.

Petraeus joins the list of great leaders who have conquered the world but lost the war against themselves—men who could not bulletproof their marriages.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10.12

This sad fall of a hero serves as a warning to all men:

• Don’t trust yourself.

• Once you’re married, don’t look at other women (Petraeus had an affair with his biographer).

• Don’t think that success will enable you to emerge unscathed from an affair.

The war against ourselves is the most important one to overcome.

Bishop Renato Cardoso