Emotional Affair

Colossians 3: 1 - 4, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. NKJV

From the beginning chapters of the Bible until the end, God reminds us about the importance and sanctity of marriage. Marriage between a husband and wife is one of the physical and tangible ways God has chosen to demonstrate our relationship with Christ. 

Just as we are commanded to be faithful to our spouse as Christians, we are also commanded to be loyal to the Lord. Jesus tells us in John that we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we seek to fulfill this one command to love, it will empower us to live a holy and devoted life of purity to Christ.  

Even though we might commit ourselves to Christ and to our spouse for life, this won't prevent the enemy from tempting us. Therefore, we must continually guard our hearts so that we don't give ourselves over to seduction through deception. Let me explain what I mean by deceptive seductions. Well-meaning and sincere people have fallen prey to emotional affairs simply because they didn't realize they were crossing an invisible line in an attempt to "help the opposite sex."

This is probably the greatest ploy that Satan uses to destroy the marriages of many ministers. It is in a minister's heart to want to help those who are in need. However, if we're not careful, we can cross the line of protection and therefore, veer from giving sound counsel into fulfilling a person's emotional needs. One way to avoid this pitfall is to point those who are in need to Jesus and away from personal emotional interaction.

You will know that you have strayed from the "protected path" when you begin to share your heart and feelings with a co-worker, friend, or counselee; however, you begin to keep those areas closed with your own spouse.

One of the best stories that depicts this occurrence is found in Judges 16. Here, Samson is revealing his whole heart to Delilah. The moment Samson told her everything Delilah knew that she had won him over through seduction. After this, we can begin to see the fall of this mighty man of God. He is pierced through with great pain and sorrow from his sin.  

As Christians, we must be willing to give Christ our whole heart. If we don't, then it can clear the way for Satan to offer us another avenue to get "our needs met." Nevertheless, Satan's way will cost you dearly. Just like Paul instructed us in today's scriptures, we have to set our affections on things above and die to the lusts of our flesh while on earth. Circumcision of the flesh will hurt; however, giving in to an emotional or spiritual affair can destroy you, your soul, and your marriage. 

Take the time that is needed to be fulfilled by the Lord and your spouse (if you are married) so that you don't give place to the Devil. Set your affections on the Lord and delight yourself in Him. He has promised to give you the desires of your heart; and you will be able to live and enjoy a fulfilled life.

Already Taken,
Pastor Asa Dockery