It’s not easy to confess something like this, but if I feel it something I must share. I hear people say all the time “It’ll never happen to me”. It’s the same thing I thought… until it happened.
Don’t fool yourself, an affair starts off as simple as they say. You know…. the harmless flirting. You would think at this point friends and family would stand up and say something. Yet they don’t, it’s almost like they are ok with it. I think that was the trigger that let me think it was ok. So I tested the waters a little more, spent more time in the affair. Still, no one says anything, strange but it seems like they are having an affair of their own. Then one day I crossed that line and then there was no turning back. The affair has consumed most of my time. I was now ignoring my children, my friends, and other relationships. Spending my time, money, and effort, even hiding it from others because they might have been ok with it in the beginning but now I was sure they wouldn’t approve.
Then after time passes, the affair got old, and I felt bad about what I had done. So I decided to confess my actions. Only to have pastors, friends, and family say “Oh it’s no big deal”. You are probably as shocked as I was to have a pastor say an affair is no big deal. Then again, I’m not talking about extra martial affairs; I’m talking about cheating on our creator with created things.
We all do it. I know I’m guilty. You don’t believe me? Check your bank statement, your internet history, or your Outlook Calendar. Where are we spending your time and energy? Is our time spent pursuing and growing our relationship with God? Or has pursuing Him gotten old and stale so we watch more TV, workout more, try to serve more, or any number of other things that we put before God.
Why is it when we think of an affair we think only of cheating on the person we are married to? God tells us we should have no other gods before him. Exodus 20:3
I challenge you to stop and examine your own life. Is God #1 in your life? Or are you having your share of affairs?
Husband to the beautiful @melissaparker, father to 2 amazing kids, Pastor, Fitness Professional, Leader Developer and saved by Grace. I'm just a guy loves to have FUN! and chicken and waffles!
So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen–Romans 1:25
Wow Vince! What a challenging post. Thank for the reminder.
Good one, Vince, as always. Keep heading us in the right direction. He’s after our holiness, huh?
Great post! Thanks for always challenging me in everything I do, say, & think. You are right, there are so many ways to CHEAT on our FATHER, our CREATOR! I know its so easy to get sucked into the TV at night, that before I know it, I’m too tired to read my Bible, or spend quiet time with him. This is what I needed to remind me that he wants me to be Faithful to him with my time and attention!
Vince,
You hit right to the heart of the matter. So true. God requires all of us to give ALL OUR HEARTS. I’m so proud of you!
Great job babe! I think this is one of your best posts yet. I do have to admit that as I read through it a little further each time I started to get a little nervous…
Just kidding. I love you and am so proud of ALL you do in your relationship with Christ.
Good words Vince. After being on the other side of someone having an extramaritial affair, I know the pain, betrayal, hurt that comes and yes you are so right we grieve our Father that way almost daily. Thank you for the eye opener. I never want my Savior to feel such pain.
Thanks for sharing…
ha! dude…so true…it’s starts with a thought that’s like a spark
Great words bro!
Wow! I was actually nervous for you- then punched in the face. Thanks! Karate chopped in the face was pretty much what I needed right now.
Really, great post!