2004-08-27 - The Seventh Commandment

The Ten Commandments, Part 7

Exodus 20:18 You shall not commit adultery.

If you asked most people, they would agree this is a wise rule. But if you look deeper, you might wonder if they really believed that. Society often takes adultery lightly. In the US, there is even a television show whose premise is wife-swapping. This must deeply sadden our Heavenly Father's heart.

Many of us might smugly proclaim that we would never commit adultery. That may be true, if we are speaking only of the physical act itself. But our Lord made it clear that in God's eyes, adultery is a matter of the heart.

Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB) You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart

While adultery is covered by the cross just as fully as any other sin, this emotional tidal wave leaves a lot of damage in its wake. The betrayed spouse is often devastated. Children who find out about their parents' dalliances grow up insecure, not believing in true love. Many times, they flit from one unsatisfying relationship to another. In this days of AIDS, there is always a danger, for you can't truly trust a person who would be unfaithful to his or her spouse. And the adulterers remain unfulfilled, for God won't bless a relationship based on adultery.

Marriages can be healed, with prayer, hard work and skillful counseling. But it's obvious to see that contrary to what some believe, God didn't institiute that rule to keep us from having fun. He did it because He loves us and wants what is truly best for us.

Comments or Questions?
Jan

Rijan@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org