Adultery

“You shall not commit adultery.”
-- Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

Let’s face it, the world around us really doesn’t get this commandment. Here’s the take we see on television and at the movies every day. Many of the people that we know follow a Hollywood script for falling in love and being in a relationship. It goes something like this:

Step 1 – Find the right person.

According to the script, the key to love is finding that one special person who was made just for you. She’s out there. He’s out there. You just have to find that person. Drive around, hang out, and be on the lookout. The moment will come.

Step 2 – Fall in love.

According to the script, when you find that person something will snap and you’ll just know. Something about the way they walk, or talk, or look, or the way they make gestures with their hand, or just the shape of their smile. You’ll know. You’ll fall in love. You’ll be smitten.

Step 3 – You live happily ever after.

According to the script, once you find Mr. or Ms. Right, once you fall in love, that person will then make you complete. You’ll be whole. Your life will have meaning like it never has before. This person will meet your deepest longings. They’ll come through for you 100% of the time. That person becomes the source of your future happiness. (Technically this is called infatuation and it can never last, but Hollywood calls it love and we buy into it.)

Step 4 – If failure occurs, repeat steps 1, 2, & 3.

That’s the script. When the relationship begins to break down, when the infatuation begins to fade in the glaring light of reality, when the person fails to fulfill all your dreams and desires, when you’re no longer exhilarated by their touch and thrilled just to hear their voice, when the feelings begin to fade – the answer is obvious. You’re now with the wrong person. There’s only one thing to do. Throw that relationship away and get into another one. Repeat steps 1, 2, & 3.

So many people are banking on this formula. So many people believe the script. So many people have embraced this fantasy, this fairy tale that there’s a perfect relationship waiting for us. They believe there’s actually a relationship that we don’t have to work at, a relationship where the feelings of infatuation never wear off. People move from one relationship to the next in search of their dream.

That’s why this instruction from God is so important. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” isn’t just about sex. It’s actually about the sanctity and the sacredness of marriage. This is nothing less than a special protection for the home and the family.

Why is marriage so sacred? Why is adultery such a big deal with God? Why is it actually a life and death issue with God? It is, you know? It is life and death. Join us Sunday as we explore what God has to say about this 7th Love Rule.

Thanks John, That was a good post! I know too well the damage that is done when a spouse is unfaithful and follows a pie in the sky romance that leave a trail of blood and tears in its wake.

"Adultery" is a capital offense in YHVH's eyes. In His word, Stoning seems to be God's solution to the act of breaking covenant with a mate. It is also interesting to note that Idolatry IS spiritual adultery.This is serious business! How many of us have put something besides YHWH as first in our own lives? This IS idolatry(spiritual adultery), though most never come to understand that it is even sin.Something that we will be held accountable for?

John, in my parent's time, divorce was something to be ashamed of and couples tried their best to make it work out. Even when they argued, or fought, about issues the idea of "well if you don't like it then i am out of here" solution was not ever thought of. Today a small argument becomes a divorce, or evern worse reason for the other to find respite in someone else's affection. I feel at times either one of the couples are afraid to even stand for what they believe afraid they may lose the other. Divorce is more prevalent as a way out then to remember what they originally started with, besides there is so much brainwashing on tv and radio that people should give in to their earthly desires and not feel "guilty" . Not everyone hears the message of God that says to honor the covenant made with your spouse, or the person you have a love for and commitment with...they just want to hear excuses to give in to temptation and many times even God fearing people will actually find scriptures to back up their adultery.

Love is a feeling that moves mountains, but, it can also cause pain when it is not understood...

in Christ's love for all...

Most states still have on their books, adultry laws. A couple of years ago, in Kansas, there was a divorce that one person actually used the adultry law. The offending person challenged the decision in court citing constitutionality of the law. The good news is the Kansas Supreme court ruled the law constitutional as did the district court (I imagine the District court would have ruled differently had it been the ultra liberal 9th District court). The offender lost everything.
God is the same way. We break our covenant promise with God, and we will lose everything. The difference is, with the State there is no forgiveness, with God, if we repent and ask for forgiveness, we will get it, no questions asked. So, if you have comitted adultry against God, repent and receive forgiveness, so that you do not lose everything.