Feeding the Attractions
Theme for the Week: Guarding Against an Affair
Scott Stanley
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: "You shall not covet.
your neighbor's wife.
or maidservant" (Exodus 20:17).
Bonus Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Sharon and Steve were happily marriedso were Jennifer and Brad. But then Brad met Sharon on a church committee that met weekly for long hours. As months passed, the members developed close friendships. Brad, especially looked forward to seeing Sharon there. The attraction seemed mutual, though neither spoke of it. Each was developing feelings for the other that made them uncomfortable.
Brad started to fantasize about being married to Sharon. Because his thoughts weren't explicitly sexual, he didn't see his growing obsession as a threat. He still loved Jennifer, but he didn't feel as alive with her as with Sharon.
Brad became dissatisfied with Jennifer as his feelings for Sharon grew. Sharon seemed more positive, beautiful, energetic, insightful, and in shape than his wife. He became distant, defensive, and negative at home. Jennifer didn't understand why they were drifting apart. When she tried to talk to Brad about it, he pulled away.
Ultimately, Brad destroyed his marriage. Though Brad had hoped Sharon would leave Steve, she didn't. Unlike Brad, Sharon saw the warning signs, took them seriously, and protected her marriage.
Scott Stanley in Marriage Partnership Respond:
What should Brad have done to protect his commitment to Jennifer? Thought to Apply:
Getting married is easy. Staying married is more difficult. Staying happily married for a lifetime should rank among the fine arts.
Roberta Flack
Adapted from: Marriage Partnership (Winter, 1999)
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
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Lord, give me the wisdom and resolve to preserve my marriage as a trust from you.
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