Complete fidelity

“But I am not doing anything wrong”. A relationship with a co-worker or friend might seem innocent enough at first but there are some warning signs to look for before it becomes a problem for your marriage. In the book “Drawing Heaven into your marriage” by Goddard, he gives a list of things to look for that might lead you to be unfaithful.

Here is his list of the Progression of Unfaithfulness:

-Behaviors that seem innocent (i.e. missionary work, doing good, helping in some capacity)

-An affection grows that claims part of one’s heart

-Extramarital flirting. Justification - “no harm intended”

-Relationship declared as “special”

-Opportunities created to see “special friend” (One worries what others will say/think

-Excuses made, lies told to hide and resources spent on other person

-Spouse is displaced. Emotional intimacy exchanged with “special friend”

-Faultfinding with spouse

-Fantasies about other person

-Physical affection - a squeeze, a kiss, a hug

-Sexual relations

More effort needs to be given to the relationship between you and your spouse than with any of your other relationships. Satan is going to try anything to destroy a family. We need to make sure we are always guarding our virtue just as much as we did before we were married.

Here are Goddards ways to help prevent trouble:

-Do not allow the seeds of lust to germinate

-Never make excuses to spend time alone with a person of the opposite sex who is not your spouse

-Take responsibility for the messages that you give

-Do not allow your heart to dwell on anyone

-If you find yourself making excuses for continuing the relationship, get help

-Spend more enjoyable time with your spouse

-Renew your spiritual efforts

-Don’t set yourself up for failure. Avoiding is better than resisting

-Keep your soul free of the soul-numbing barrenness of pornography

-Celebrate the sweet gift of companionship