We have been considering the importance of preserving and protecting our marriages and the commitments that are necessary to do so.
Last time, we talked about the need to guard our thought life. Be careful about allowing things to enter your heart and mind that will lead to temptation. So much evil and wickedness can be stopped at the threshold of our mind.
A second personal commitment that can lead to stronger marriages is the decision to maintain healthy emotional and physical boundaries. If you are looking to someone other than your spouse to meet deep emotional needs (ie: understanding, support, sympathy) in your life, you could be headed for trouble.
There are certain warning signs you would be wise to heed. Be careful if you are constantly thinking about that person. Beware if you are looking for ways to be around that person or if you love talking about them. These are signs you are headed for trouble.
Adultery is not about love, it is about selfishness. Love would never fracture another person’s family. Love would never lead you to destroy your spouse and children. Love would never lead you to violate the Seventh Commandment (see Exodus 20:14). And love would never lead you to break the heart of God.
Paul challenged the church at Ephesus, “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity…because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:3)
It takes more than good intentions to remain pure. We need a plan. When it comes to issues of morality and sexual sin, please don’t make the mistake of assuming that you are exempt. It can happen to anyone.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 10:12. Nobody is immune. It can happen to anyone. That’s why you need to make some firm commitments to preserve purity.
When it comes to the matter of sexual purity, will we live according to God’s standard or will we choose to go our own way? We have a choice to make.
Sexual immorality of all kinds is sin. Sex outside of marriage is unacceptable to God. It is sin. Adultery is sin. Homosexuality is sin. Pornography is sin. The list could go on.
This is not a matter of personal opinion, it is the teaching that comes from the Word of God. His standards have not changed, and he has never compromised. God is not influenced by the changing standards of culture.
You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].
