If we continuously pour ourselves out without replenishing our depleted souls, there will come a day when we demand, “I’m taking care of everybody! Whose [sic] gonna take care of me?” and a tender, sympathetic voice whispers back, “I will.” ~ Jeff Manion, [DBTS pg. 164]
While many are able to get back in the race after a moral failure—because of God’s immense grace and healing—it is always best to avoid the mess through small steps of obedience.
Jeff Manion gives five steps to help affair-proof your marriage. (1) Be aware. Don’t be naïve enough to think it can’t happen to you. (2) Build healthy relationships. A healthy relationship with your spouse, your kids and your friends can be lifesaving. (3) Don’t run on empty. Running on empty desensitizes us and causes us to focus inward. (4) Establish distance. Intentionally create distance with those who may become potential problems. (5) Don’t let on. Whatever you do, don’t try and figure out whether the other person is interested. Nothing good will come from it.
If you have stumbled in this area, it does not have to be the end of your story. God is a God of restoration and the Bible is full of stories of people who messed up only to find God’s offer of restoration and be used mightily. Psalm 32.5 speaks toward this restoration in the life of David. It is beautiful.
If you are in a time of crisis and would like to talk about the restoration God offers, please contact care@adabible.org. Today, identify some boundaries to avoid the fall. What are some healthy friendships to pursue and how can you establish the distance you need from others? In Day 24, on page 168 of Dream Big, Think Small, write down some of the steps you plan to take to affair-proof your life.
