Safeguarding Your Marriage

Most infidelity in marriage starts out with small, deliberate choices when one spouse chooses to turn away from the other. I don’t think anyone makes the commitment to marry someone they love with anticipation of breaking those vows down the road. Yet, here we are in a society that deals with broken marriages from all different aspects of infidelity.

So, how does it happen? In his book Drawing Heaven Into Your Marriage, Wallace Goddard writes, “Satan attacks us with subtle and indirect means. He gets us inappropriately close to someone who is not our spouse under the guise of missionary work, friendship, or helpfulness. He subtly builds inappropriate emotional bonds while quieting our consciences with weak rationalizations.” Some of these weak rationalizations might include telling yourself that you are in control and it’s no big deal to have a good friend outside your marriage relationship. Satan merciless leaves no stone unturned.

Goddard offers several guidelines to safeguard against behavior that might lead to troubling behavior. A few of his suggestions include: ~Do not allow the seeds of lust to germinate. ~Never make excuses to spend time alone with a person of the opposite sex. ~ If you find yourself making excuses for continuing the relationship, you are addicted. ~Spend more enjoyable time with your spouse. ~Renew your spiritual efforts. Turn to the Lord in prayer.

I have seen the heartache and sadness brought on by infidelity in marriage, whether emotional or physical, it doesn’t matter. It destroys trust and can cause lasting hurt. Goddard warns of Satan’s devious plans. He said of Satan, “He offers love, fun and a satisfying life. But it is a lie. He wants to get us to violate our covenants. But he has no joy to deliver on is grandiose promises. He is the master of misery. That is all he has to offer.”