Flee from temptation
Q: Please pray for me. I’m being tempted to have an affair with a woman I’ve gotten close to at work. I know it’s stupid and I’ll probably end up hurting a lot of people (including our families), but I’m still not sure I can resist. What’s your advice? — R.L.
A: I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who went down the road you’re thinking of t raveling — and was glad afterward that they did so. I can guarantee you won’t be the exception. The Bible says, “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?.... So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife” (Proverbs 6:27,29).
My advice first of all would be to cut yourself off completely from this situation — even if it means changing jobs. At a minimum, break off your contact with this person, and perhaps tell her why, so she knows you’re serious. Don’t assume you can back away “just a little bit” and still keep temptation at bay; it probably won’t happen. Paul told his young pastor friend Timothy to “Flee the evil desires of youth” (2 Timothy 2:22).
But second, I urge you to do everything you possibly can to strengthen your own marriage. God gave your wife and your family to you. Don’t turn your back on his good gifts. Spend time together. Listen to each other. Be patient with your spouse. Express your appreciation for her. Marriages usually don’t suddenly collapse. Instead, they just drift apart. Make it your goal to restore your marriage — and you can, with God’s help.
Most of all, turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Right now, you’re fencing him out (so to speak). Break down the fence and let him in. You’ll never regret it.