Wisdom on avoiding adultery

Today's scripture reading is from Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2. A clear message that jumps out is on the subject of adultery. It brings to mind a recent high profile case of adultery involving two prominent leaders of my former church. While on a church supported overseas mission they became sexually involved. It was announced during a recent Sunday worship service and a special prayer meeting was held later in the evening to which a large number of members attended. The prayer meeting was described as wonderful. Some members told me how they had come to appreciate the church even more. The pastor lead the event beautifully with sensitivity and love, etc. Apparently the woman is seeking to reconcile with her husband but the man's future is less certain.

I am not pointing fingers at these two individuals for I know I am prone to this danger as well. By God's grace I have been able to remain faithful to my wife for more than 32 years of our marriage. But to my shame I often let my mind drift into lustful thoughts. In Jesus words that's the same as committing adultery in my heart. (“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthews 5:27-28)

Proverbs 6:20-25 has taught me a few important lessons:
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction
    are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,
    from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.

It speaks of the importance of solid foundation in moral principles. Parents often play an important role in transmitting these moral principles. If we hold fast to these principles, by letting them speak to us whenever and wherever we are, they will be like a guiding light in all situations, especially when it comes to avoiding adultery. There are three situations when we are particularly vulnerable: having "smooth talk" with someone who may have wrong intentions, allowing lustful thoughts when we feel attracted to someone's external beauty, and allowing our eyes to stare long enough into those longing eyes. The danger is clear - "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?" (Proverbs 6:27-28).

It pays to know the consequences of a single adultery act:
"But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away." (Proverbs 6:32-33) and
"For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is." (Proverbs 6:34-35)

Adultery in God's church is unfortunately far too common. St Paul in 2 Corinthians 2 was dealing with a situation described in his previous letter to the church (1 Corinthians 5) "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?" (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) He wrote to them in order to avoid a painful visit during which he would have to exercise discipline in the church. Apparently the brother mentioned in the offense had repented and so St. Paul encouraged the church to restore him back to fellowship. "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

Christian marriage is sacred despite what the current culture says. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthews 10:9). My wife and I have started an exciting spiritual journey together. We are praying together and we often read books together to strengthen our faith in Jesus. We encourage each other to spend time with God and to volunteer our time to minister to others. Only if we are drawn closer to God would we be drawn closer to one another.