But you have been unfaithful to her…your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. Malachi 2:14

Cheating. Adultery. An affair. Stepping out. We have so many ways to describe the breaking of a marriage vow. Why is it a big deal? What about “open marriage,” “swingers” groups, or no-fault divorce? If “nobody gets hurt,” is faithfulness in marriage still a big deal? Rationalizations come in many forms. Consider these: “I knew he was seeing other women, but I couldn’t live without his six-figure income, so I just looked the other way.” Or “Yeah, she’s been with a couple of guys since our wedding, but I cheated too, so I figure we’re even.” If spouses have that attitude about cheating, is it still wrong? Why?

Understanding the “why’s” behind moral absolutes is crucial. Culture tells us that we get to decide the why’s, so if our answers sound good to us, then we should do whatever we want. But if we’re going to say that adultery is wrong, we need to know why. Sexual expression outside the marriage union is wrong because God said it’s wrong. Period. It doesn’t matter how we feel about it. Wrong is wrong because God defines wrong, not us. Many professing Christians heartily agree with God’s prohibitions against theft, lying, murder, and even sexual sin for others. But then they get lonely. Angry. Bored. Depressed. Divorced. And all sexual boundaries go out the window. When we do that, we are indicating that culture or fleshly desires are our real gods.  

Final Thought:  What sexual boundaries have you given yourself permission to violate? What does that say about you?

Prayer: Father, I am here to confess the ways I have failed you in my sexuality. I have given myself permission to compromise in certain areas like _________. Please forgive me and teach me to honor sexuality like you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.