Mike met Linda on the job when both were mutually working on a stressful project. Six months later they were having an affair, mostly because Mike had never told anyone about Linda. He had never told his wife about the developing friendship; he never scared about the relationship with his best Christian buddy, Stan, whom he saw regularly; he never brought it to God. There were so many opportunities that developed over those six months. But instead, the guilt built to the point that he eventually was forced to share it with his wife, Stacy, and then Stan and then his pastor. Of course, God knew all along.
Wow! Isn’t it amazing how Satan’s system thrives in darkness and secrecy. It is exciting to practice the discipline of bringing a secret into the light of day and to actually experience its power disappearing. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.
What a dynamic concept God has created with His emphasis on confession and walking in the light. An important part of this discipline is seeking out appropriate confessors, groups, and accountability buddies. Wives cannot be in that alone. Men need a male buddy to help us bring our secrets in to the light.
Godly disciplines are not easy or natural. Keep practicing, because it's a no-brainer choice. Do we want pain, guilt, and failed intimacy, or the fruit of the Spirit with love, joy, and peace? “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”(Heb. 12:11 niv). Remember, you are God’s courageous warrior, vigilantly protecting your sexual integrity. May He bless you with many wonderfully supportive brothers and a passionate intimacy with your wife.
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