A Caution Against Adultery: The Big No No

From the desk of The Modern Day Cindi: There are few things worse that could happen in a marriage than the ones I classify on my list of “No-No’s”.
And for this article, it is imperative to address both married and single persons on one of the BIGGEST NO-NO’s: INFIDELITY aka ADULTERY!  Oh yes, adultery!
Now, it would seem that with such a great number of people who desire marriage it would be taboo to engage in or even entertain adulterous behavior— but it happens. Furthermore, most agree, if not understand, that cheating is wrong and unacceptable, PERIOD!
Cheating on tests gets you kicked out of class, cheating on your taxes gets you fined and possibly jailed, so of course cheating in your marriage would be equally weighty and for good reason.
Infidelity pokes a hole in a fortress designed by God to promote his kingdom on earth. And although governmental systems look at marriage as an economic and social institution, God looks at it as a covenant bond between two people that is sacred to which favor and destiny are connected.
So, is it our desire to mock the covenant of marriage when so many have hoped for it, believing that in it was a promise that only God could fulfill? Or is it that we have not taken time to evaluate the subtle triggers that push so many toward infidelity; specifically, how adultery penetrates marriages through social interaction, learned behaviors, family dynamics, mistrust, etc.?
Now for the sake of clarity, I do understand that for one reason or another people decide that the journey of marriage for the two together should end. However, it is important to expose the ploys many encounter regarding adultery despite their best intentions.
Bottom line: There is no biblical basis given to support adultery. Some of the falsities that society has succumbed to as a pass to cheat include: Separation (legally or otherwise e.g. living apart); Agreement to see other people; Disconnected emotionally; Disinterested physically; or, an Un-finalized divorce.
In Proverbs 5:15-23, the word admonishes us to use wisdom and not fall victim to adulterous ways. Here are 3 key reminders to consider if faced with an issue of infidelity.
1.     The principle of sharing is applicable to objects, not people.
Therefore, the thought that you as a single or married person would find comfort with someone’s spouse is objectionable. The best advice we had in our adolescence that applies to us even today is “Keep Your Hands to Yourself!” The minute that you find out that the person you are seeing is still married, is the minute that you should exit!!!
2.     Secretly or openly, cheating on your spouse (while living together or separately), and/or an agreement to see others while still married was not a part of the original design for  covenant and by default, mocks the union of marriage.
3.     Cheating is not just the form of physical intimacy- it goes to the depths of even emotion.
So yes, let’s count that emotional infidelity is just as bad as physical infidelity.  Any interaction, by design, that separates man from his wife or vice versa, is not of God and does not represent His love
Remember the heart can be deceitful above all things and emotions useless if not guided by the Lord. So, if you have found yourself in such a situation, get out now, repent, seek spiritual counsel, move forward and don’t look back! Be blessed!
Scripture references

• Ex. 20:14
• Proverbs 5:15-23
• 1 Corinthians 7:2
• Leviticus 20:10
• Romans 8:1
• Hebrews 13:4