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Key Bible Verse: "A wild donkey. … sniffing the wind in her craving—in her heat who can restrain her?" (Jeremiah 2:24).
Bonus Reading: Genesis 39:6-12

Charlie was taken completely by surprise. Tricia had just flat out asked him to go out together after work. Maybe, Charlie thought, confused, she thought that'd be a way to get away from things and relax. They had spent a lot of time getting the restaurant ready to open. Maybe she'd already asked other kitchen crew. Maybe she hadn't realized he was married. He'd mentioned his wife, his kids, hadn't he?

Tricia took his momentary paralysis as acceptance. She moved toward him and taking hold of his arm, drew it in toward her body with her left hand, rubbing the inside of his elbow with her right. She told him about a coffee shop about ten minutes from work that would be just perfect.

Charlie disengaged his arm, stammering that there'd been some mistake. He was married and didn't think having coffee with Tricia would go over well with his wife.

Tricia responded that the only way for Charlie's wife to know was if Charlie told her. Otherwise, it could remain their little secret. He might not be interested now, she said, but if he ever was, give her a call. With that, she exited the restaurant, glancing back at Charlie and smiling.

—Greg Jantz in Too Close to the Flame

How could Charlie safeguard himself in his next encounter with Tricia?

Guard your chastity. … If you always remember your own wife, you will never sin.

—Shepherd of Hermas (2nd century)

Adapted from: Too Close To The Flame (Howard, 1999)

For your convenience, Too Close To The Flame is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, give me the wisdom and resolve to preserve my marriage as a trust from you.

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