Although there is tremendous benefit in the healing and recovery of a marriage devastated by adultery, it would be far better to prevent it than treat it. It’s easy to say that it will never happen to me, but the fact is that it could happen to anyone.

So how do we assure that we don’t fall into this trap? Is there a secret formula? Why is it so powerful over us?

Sexual attraction is easily one of the most powerful forces in our lives. It remains a strong drive in most of us our entire lives. For that reason alone, it’s important for us to prepare for temptations that may come our way, and to do what we can to keep them from overtaking us.

In Matthew 5:27-28 Jesus states,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

We looked at this verse in the blog The “Harmless Vice?” but it bears repeating because it further clarifies the importance of this issue to Jesus Himself. That alone warrants our attention.

How do we keep from dwelling upon things we shouldn’t? How do we go about controlling what we are thinking, especially when looking at someone who is very attractive? After all that’s an important part of what we’re talking about. Philippians 4:8-9 gives us some practical instruction.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

In the last part of these verses we find what I consider a key—the word practice. In order to become adept at thinking appropriately toward members of the opposite sex, we must practice concentrating on that which is pure and commendable. Easy to say—harder to do, but it is absolutely necessary if we desire a proper mindset.

Of course, this brings pornography to the forefront, something we have looked at more in-depth in the blog The “Harmless Vice?”. Simply put, pornography is not acceptable in any form, for any reason at any time. It is against the will of God, and we cannot have a wonderful, romantic, and God centered marriage if it is part of our lives. In 1 Corinthians 6:18 we read,

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Proverbs 7 warns us to not allow ourselves to be tempted by entertaining sexual sin in our hearts, allowing it to gain a foothold, and permitting it to destroy our lives. We must say no and hold the line against any and every sexual sin.

Any flirtation with sexual sin, no matter how benign it may seem, is wrong. It paves the path to our destruction, both male and female alike. None are immune—we must prepare our hearts.

Question: Do you have a viewpoint that would help others? Please share it!