This isn't only a place to share our ugly; it is also a place to support our ever on-going process of distancing ourselves from our "former way". As we shine light on where we've been, let's keep where we're going illuminated as well.
It is no secret that a massive amount of men struggle with sexual temptation. Thankfully because it isn't as much of a secret as it has been in the past, honorable people have come together to create tons of resources to combat this epidemic. There are websites, books, even tangible coping skills to help men navigate this tricky field where our culture throws triggers around every corner. But, I'm not here to talk about men. I'm here to pose another question: Is there a similar struggle here for the ladies? We are triggered in different ways...ways we would never like to admit but as I sit on the heels of devastating story after devastating story of affairs that occurred not only in secular settings but also between church staff members or community group leaders where both a man AND a woman are to blame, I can't help but think we are missing something.
Now sure there are some wolves in sheep's clothing hiding in all kinds of places, but I also know that not every single one of these ladies was out on the prowl looking for another woman's husband. Could it be that these women who found themselves in an adulterous affair could actually love the Lord? Just exactly like these men who are trying to chase Jesus but still continually battle a porn addiction? Could she have found herself dabbling in her addiction to attention and affection that she traveled down a road she never intended?
Ladies, so many of us believe we would NEVER let something like this happen to us. We would NEVER do this to our family or someone else's. I'm willing to bet a majority of the women wrapped up in affairs said the same kind of things to themselves. We deny the thought that we are capable of such sin which does us the biggest disservice of them all: prevents us from having a plan to avoid temptation. It is just like denying that a weather disaster could ever happen to you all the while living in the middle of tornado alley. In this denial you refuse to prepare for the storm, and when it hits your defenses are down and devastation is imminent. Because, friends, no matter how much you ignore it, the storm will come. If we are honest, we are all just one cleverly veiled temptation away from our own demise. It is only by God's grace if you haven't already found yourself there. In Galatians 6:1, Paul gave instruction on restoring someone caught in sin gently but goes on to say: But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Even a Christian in the middle of trying to help her sister in Christ walk away from a sin can fall to that same sin if they aren't careful. This should alone help us to see that none of us are immune.
After hearing my story, you may view me as only a victim of adultery. In the name of living in the light, I have unfortunately been on both sides. During those foolish 20's I speak of in my testimony, I selfishly chased back whatever pursued me, married or not, with no care for consequence. I have been the "other woman" taking things that weren't mine, and I have been the wife completely and utterly betrayed. I, personally, wasn't out looking for married men, but I certainly wasn't actively pursuing a plan to avoid them. Combine this with my small regard for the Lord, and I was an easy target for the enemy.
If you can humble yourself enough to come to the place of accepting that you, yes, even you who - loves your husband or doesn't, is happy in your current life, or isn't, actively attends church, or is absent could succumb to this kind of temptation, then you're stepping in the right direction.
But, this is only step one. Next, we will focus on how to prepare for the storm...even if you still swear it's not headed to your house.
Wow baby...love this. So transparent it's scary!
ReplyDelete