‘…Respect…Marriage…Be Faithful to your partner…’ Hebrews 13:4 CEV
J Allen Peterson writes: ‘what was once labelled infidelity and carried a stigma, is now an affair – a nice sounding, almost inviting word wrapped in mystery and excitement – a relationship, not a sin. What was once a secret closely guarded – is now…headlines, a TV theme, a bestseller, as common as the cold.’
One hit song goes, ‘I don’t care who’s right or wrong…just help me make it through the night.’ Cheating is viewed as exciting; those who remain faithful are seen as unenlightened or old-fashioned. Well, it is time to call a spade a spade! The Bible says, ‘…respect … marriage … be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is unfaithful…’ That is a sobering word!
So before you go down that road, remember: 1) infidelity hurts your partner. Seeking fulfilment outside your marriage means that all the time, money and energy you devote to another person, are stolen from your mate. They end up paying for your betrayal 2) infidelity is self-destructive. Lying to somebody who trusts you puts you in a ‘double bind.’ No matter what happens, you lose. When you can’t tell your covenant partner the truth, you end up despising yourself. And the longer you live a lie, the more self-respect you lose 3) infidelity camouflages the real issue. An affair may make you feel attractive and appreciated – temporarily. Meanwhile the real problem keeps growing. Nothing beats caring confrontation and honest sharing, because while the ‘Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow’ (Proverbs 12:19 TM). Contrary to popular thinking, an affair will not simplify your life. It will complicate it in ways you cannot begin to imagine.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
