LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Please pray for me. I’m being tempted to have an affair with a woman I’ve gotten close to at work. I know it’s stupid and I’ll probably end up hurting a lot of people (including our families), but I’m still not sure I can resist. What’s your advice?
- R.L.
DEAR R.L.: I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who went down the road you’re thinking of traveling - and was glad afterward that they did so. I can guarantee you won’t be the exception. The Bible says, “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?.... So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife” (Proverbs 6:27,29).
My advice first of all would be to cut yourself off completely from this situation - even if it means changing jobs. At a minimum, break your contact with this person - and perhaps tell her why, so she knows you’re serious. Don’t assume you can back away “just a little bit” and still keep temptation at bay; it probably won’t happen. Paul told his young pastor friend Timothy to “Flee the evil desires of youth” (2 Timothy 2:22).
But second, I urge you to do everything you possibly can to strengthen your own marriage. God gave your wife and your family to you; don’t turn your back on his good gifts. Spend time together; listen to each other; be patient with your spouse; express your appreciation for her. Marriages usually don’t suddenly collapse; instead, they just drift apart. Make it your goal to restore your marriage - and you can, with God’s help.
Most of all, turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Right now, you’re fencing Him out (so to speak); break down the fence and let Him in. You’ll never regret it.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
Food, Pages 35 on 12/19/2012