Do you inspire trust in your spouse? Does he or she have confidence that you are faithful in every way when you’re not there?
Everyone’s tempted, right? Husbands . . . wives . . . even Jesus was tempted in the same way we are tempted, the Bible says.
Being tempted isn’t sinful, although the Enemy can make it seem so. He is, after all, the “accuser of the brethren”.
Even so, it isn’t sinful to struggle against temptation. It is, however, sinful to yield. And, we don’t have to yield. We choose to yield to temptation . . . because our flesh loves filth. We’re going to have to reconcile ourselves to that fact.
“For I know that in my flesh dwells no good thing.” Romans 7:18
Should your spouse trust you? Can your spouse trust you? Is trust a foundation stone of your marriage?
So, what should men and women do with their eyes – the gate through which so much can pass, feeding our flesh? Never, ever look (interestedly, longingly, lustfully) at another woman or man with your eyes – or with your mind.
Train yourself to turn your eyes away from every opportunity that offers a feeding frenzy for your flesh. And, don’t tell yourself the convenient lie, “I just can’t help it”. You CAN help it! Your flesh just doesn’t want to.
Don’t listen to the lies of your flesh.
If you’re scouting, you are hurting your marriage by dishonoring your spouse. Stay in command of your flesh and honor the spouse God gave you . . . and honor the God who gave her/him to you. Be faithful in this area.
Every act is preceded by a thought. This is why foolish men and women become unfaithful. They told themselves that no harm was being done. Hey, just because I’m on a diet doesn’t mean I can’t look at the menu! After all, they were only thinking about it. It wasn’t like they were actually going to do it.
True faithfulness – the kind that will keep you out of trouble and is approved by God – is total faithfulness. After all, the two of you are one. That includes your mind.
“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” ~ King David, Psalm 101:3
King David ignored his own advice and paid a heavy price, but you don’t have to.
The Bible says,
There is no temptation you face but that which is common to every man; but, God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to face, and will, with the temptation also provide a way of escape so you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MLJ paraphrase)
God has provided the power for you to triumph in the face of temptation. Exercise that power, escape the temptation, and honor the spouse God gave you – a step of obedience you will never regret.
~Matthew
FAITHFUL MAN® 