Exodus 20 v 17. Do not commit adultery.
In Matthew 5 v 27-30 Our Lord says:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery”. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. And if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”
The Lord Jesus was saying that when God gave us the commandment on adultery, it was not only limited to adultery but covered the whole spectrum of sexual sin. Hence the metaphor of plucking out the eye and cutting off the hand. That means that whatever the cost, do not go down the pathway of sexual immorality.
Thus adultery is a serious sin. Indeed anything that undermines the marriage oath is serious but adultery is a marriage-killer and few marriages survive it. What follows now is a list of at least nine reasons why adultery is so dangerous and debilitating to a marriage.
1. It is Deliberate.
It is continual, thought about, fantasised over and wilful. Plans have to be made to do it. It is deliberate.
2. It is Needless
If you have a partner you do not need another partner. God has given you a lawful way to engage in sex. If you are single, exercise self-control until you have a partner.
3. It is Destructive
It debases all morals, it carries bodily diseases, it destroys reputations, peace of mind and families.
4. It is Theft
Thieves break in and steal your things. That is one thing. But when somebody comes into your home and takes your partner they are stealing a husband or a wife and a father or a mother. It is an irreplaceable treasure and is the worst form of provocation of both God and man.
5. It is a Progressive Sin
It starts with a one-track mind, gravitating to anything with sexual connotations, then progresses to something worse until adultery is committed. Proverbs 2 v 19 :
“None who go to her returns nor do they regain the path of life”
More tomorrow. Please do not do this sin.
Meditation: Are there habits in your life that push you toward immorality? What will you do about them?