Cheating on God

Exodus 20:14
It seems to be the operative principle in much of our society that the only problem with adultery is getting caught. And then it may be that those who are hurt are advised to be ‘mature’ about it. But this is not a case of what you don’t know not hurting you. We could go on at some length about the problem of hidden sins of various kinds, as well as issues of physical health.

The command is at heart about protecting relationships that are intended to be a reflection of divine community and the divine-human relationship: “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness … So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27, emphasis mine). Granted, this doesn’t say anything specifically about marriage, but the basis of its sanctity is there. And that sanctity is to be honoured.

The problem is not just getting caught.

Prayer:
Lord, let those of us who are married consider sexual fidelity a freedom to enjoy together rather than a restriction, even while we consider that fidelity a minimal requirement in a bond to be built up in every way. Through Christ. Amen.