"FAITHFULNESS ONE TO THE OTHER"
Adultery is a sexual relationship between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse. The physical act is not the only way adultery is committed. Have you ever heard of the term "mental adultery"? Mental adultery is desiring someone sexually and dwelling on thoughts of sexual relationship outside of marriage.
Both physical and mental adultery are dangerouse because they are both forms of UNFAITHFULNESS. They weaken the marriage bond by causing dissatisfaction with a spouse and destroying trust. Mental adultery can be the catalyst of physical adultery.
Our minds must remain faithful to our marriage partner. We must commit to not fantisize about members of the opposite sex, or think about what it would be like to be with them.
Cultural influences are working daily to destroy commitment and fidelity in marriages. The messages in movies and television, as well as advertisement that use sex appeal to sell products are the kinds of things that cause the thoughts of infidelity to enter minds. We live in a culture that says publicly that an extra-marital affair of the body or the mind is perfectly okay.
When confronted with the temptation of physical or mental infidelity:
- Remember the commitment made to your spouse.
- Ask God for help in controlling your thoughts.
- Constantly exercise a loving behavior toward your spouse.
Mental fidelity increases love and appreciation for each other. It also prevents physical adultery and leads to a strong sense of trust between husbands and wives.
REMEMBER THAT AN ACTION ALWAYS FOLLOWS A THOUGHT.
